Gail Ann Niparts

ELLICOTTVILLE — Gail Ann Niparts, of Ellicottville, formerly of East Amherst, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

She was born January 14, 1952, to the late William and Shirley Esther Harrison, the eldest of seven children. She married her husband, Eriks A. Niparts, who survives her, on Aug. 12, 1978, in Cortland. Their marriage of nearly 48 years was built on love, adventure and a shared appreciation for family and fun.

Gail graduated with honors from Cortland High School, Class of 1970, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science and a master’s degree with honors in secondary education from The State University of Cortland.

She dedicated more than 37 years to teaching English at Lockport High School, where she became a beloved and highly respected educator. Gail was named Teacher of the Year on multiple occasions and was remembered by generations of students for her passion, boundless energy and dramatic reenactments of literary scenes, especially those from Shakespeare, her lifelong favorite. Even years after retiring in 2011, former students would often stop her simply to tell her she was the teacher they remembered most and the one who inspired a lifelong love of literature.

Beyond the classroom, Gail served for many years in leadership roles with New York State United Teachers. She represented her fellow educators at conferences and meetings across New York, advocating on their behalf before school boards and state officials. She earned the deep respect of her colleagues for her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public education.

The Niparts family enjoyed outdoor activities together and were longtime members of HoliMont in Ellicottville. Gail was affectionately known as “the Voice of HoliMont” for her spirited announcing of ski races and results over the loudspeaker. She also volunteered with HoliMont’s Phoenix Adaptive Ski Program, announcing race lineups and results with enthusiasm.

Gail and Eriks shared a passion for travel, exploring cities around the world by ship and plane while embracing local cultures, cuisines and new experiences wherever they went. Among Gail’s happiest places was Hilton Head, S.C., where month-long vacations were filled with sunshine, fresh seafood, shopping, treasured friendships and time spent together.

Above all, Gail will be remembered for the enthusiasm, warmth and generosity she brought to every part of her life. Whether inspiring students in the classroom, enjoying adventures with Eriks, or spending time with family and friends, she had a remarkable ability to make those around her feel welcomed and valued. Her energy, laughter, and love for life left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

In addition to her husband, Eriks, Gail is survived by her daughter, Marisa Niparts of Copenhagen, Denmark; her son, Ryan Niparts of Manhattan; three sisters, Trish (Tim) Cleary of Fort Worth, Texas, Linda Kendrick of Griffin, Ga. and Susan (Robert) Gerts of Elgin, Ill.; three brothers, Robert (Marie) Harrison of Fruitland Park, Fla., Michael (Julie) Harrison of Alton Bay, N.H. and Richard (Suzy) Harrison of Fort Worth; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation. A memorial mass will be held at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday (July 14, 2026) at Holy Name of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 22 Jefferson St., Ellicottville, with Rev. John Trela, pastor, as celebrant. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Ellicottville.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, act.alz.org. Click on the “Donate” icon on the right of the page.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.