Gail Welsh

Gail Elizabeth (Masciantonio) Welsh, age 61, of Mashpee and formerly of Hopkinton, passed away on Jan. 28, 2026. She was born in New Haven, Connecticut, the daughter of the late Barbara “Bart” Jean (Shields) and Louis “Louie” Masciantonio.

Gail grew up in Hamden, Connecticut, graduating from Hamden High School in 1982. She went on to attend the University of Vermont, where she earned a B.A. in primary education. After teaching third grade for a short period, she enrolled at the University of Connecticut and received her MBA. She began her career in computer systems analysis and training at Andersen Consulting. It was during this time that her path changed when a friend introduced her to fellow UVM alumnus Jared “Jay” Welsh. After seven years of dating, Jay proposed, and they were married at the Popponesset Inn on Cape Cod, a place that would remain deeply symbolic of Gail’s love for Jay and for the beach.

She and Jay put down roots in Hopkinton, where Gail was a firm but always caring mother who kept everything running smoothly. She chauffeured her children to countless track meets, soccer games, gymnastics competitions, art classes and every other activity they wanted to try. She built lifelong friendships for the entire family, taught at local elementary schools and could often be found running through town and on the trails with her dogs while she trained for the 2012 Boston Marathon.

As the children grew up, Gail and Jay wasted no time spending their days together in the places they loved most — enjoying beach and boat days in Popponesset during the summers and skiing in Stowe, Vermont, in the winter.

Gail was a pillar of strength, love and kindness to all who knew her. She was an amazing wife, mother, supportive sister and fiercely loyal friend. A teacher, fitness instructor, small business owner and entrepreneur, Gail was always discovering new passions and eager to share them with the people she loved. She had a remarkable ability to create community and put down roots in the places closest to her heart — through fitness classes in Stowe, Vermont; managing a retail shop in Popponesset on Cape Cod; and owning a beach bag business that began in Abaco, Bahamas. No idea was ever too big or far-fetched. She was motivated and determined and simply loved creating.

Above all, her friends and family always came first. She treasured any opportunity to bring people together — whether it was a game of cards on Friday night, attending concerts of artists she loved (or had never heard of, just to dance along) or spending an afternoon sitting in a circle of beach chairs, talking and laughing. She loved it all, as long as she was with her people. And people loved being with her. Many of her children’s friends still refer to Gail as their “second mom.” She was always on the move, constantly taking on new adventures and hobbies, and making friends wherever she went.

Though her time was cut far too short, Gail lived life to the fullest. Her determination never wavered throughout her battle with melanoma. She continued to embrace what she loved most — being with her family, whether at the beach or in the mountains, and her strength and love will leave a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

For 28 years she was the beloved wife of Jay Welsh. She also was the devoted mother of Hannah Welsh and fiancé Anthony Fabiano of Charlestown, Emily Welsh of Boston and Patrick Welsh of Boston. She was the dear sister of Dan Masciantonio of Ashland and the late David Masciantonio. She is also survived by her loving sisters and mother-in-law, as well as her nephew, cousins and many dear friends whom she considered family.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 6, from 4-7 p.m. at Chapman Funerals & Cremations in Mashpee. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Parish in Mashpee.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Gail to support one of two organizations close to her heart: Melanoma Research Foundation (melanoma.org) or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through Emily’s 2026 Boston Marathon fund.

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