The Story & Legacy of Gail Baird
Gail Baird was more than a world traveler or entrepreneur—she was a force of nature with a heart for service, a zest for life, and a spirit for adventure. After her passing in 2013, the Gail Baird Foundation was created to honor her extraordinary legacy. Through our work, we continue what she started: funding ovarian cancer research, supporting women entrepreneurs, and giving back to veterans and seniors. This is the story of the woman who inspired it all.​
The Roots of Her Journey
Gail Baird was born in Brooklyn, New York, the only child of Ruth and Reinhard Haid. She later moved to Baldwin, Long Island, during her teenage years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College and her master’s from Hofstra University. After graduation, she married William Wallace Baird, an Army officer with the 101st Airborne Division. Together, they spent the next 25 years living around the world—including 12 years in Germany and 4 in Iran—raising their family and collecting memories across continents.
A Life of
Global Adventure
Gail's life was shaped by that global journey. She had a deep curiosity about the world and an unstoppable sense of adventure. She visited over 70 countries and found her greatest joy in connecting with people beyond the beaten path—from the horsemen of Mongolia to the forest dwellers of Papua New Guinea. Her home became a living scrapbook of her travels—filled with whimsical treasures and artifacts—and her stories, full of humor and heart, enchanted everyone who heard them.
"Gail wasn’t afraid to take risks. She poured everything she had into turning big ideas into reality."
A Fearless Entrepreneur
Gail wasn’t just an explorer. She was a fearless entrepreneur. Her first business began in Germany, selling imported Persian samovars. From there, she launched several successful ventures and eventually risked everything to create "Shop the World by Mail", bringing American goods to customers in 75 countries. Gail believed in hard work, big dreams, and bold risks.
Gail Baird with her proud children at a trade show, gracefully representing the global success of Shop the World by Mail. A visionary moment in a trailblazing career
Family First
Gail's greatest love, however, was her family. She was a devoted mother to Eric, Deirdre, and Scott; a cherished mother-in-law to Shawndra, Mona, and Matt; and a proud “Omi” to Logan, Parker, Hayden, Ava, Alexandra, Liam, McKenzie, and Gail's namesake Emma Gail, born after her passing. Her warmth, strength, and passion left a mark not just on the world—but on the lives of everyone lucky enough to know her.​​
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A Courageous Fight
​In 2008, Gail was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Time and time again, doctors said she wouldn’t make it. And time and time again, Gail proved them wrong. She endured hundreds of complications and hospitalizations, always meeting adversity with strength and grace. In the face of mortality, she became a teacher—showing her loved ones, and even her doctors, what real courage looks like.
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​Just a week before she passed, Gail told her family with radiant peace that she had seen heaven and that God had asked her to come home. Yet, even then, she had one more gift to give: time. Time to laugh, to sing, to smile, and to say goodbye with grace and joy. In the end—as it had always been—her spirit remained unbroken.
Gail's Legacy
At Gail Baird Foundation, we carry forward her legacy—her curiosity, her generosity, and her unwavering fight. Our mission is to support initiatives focused on researching and raising awareness of ovarian cancer, while continuing Gail’s passion for uplifting female entrepreneurs and enriching the lives of seniors and veterans.
"You can achieve anything in the world as long as you believe in your heart in what you are doing and are willing to work hard enough to get there."
-Gail Baird
SUPPORT GAIL'S LEGACY
Give $100.
Get the Fleece.
Make an Impact.
When you contribute $100 or more to the Gail Baird Foundation, you'll receive a limited-edition fleece jacket as a token of our gratitude.
Your generosity fuels vital ovarian cancer research, empowers female entrepreneurs, supports veterans, and uplifts seniors—and now it brings a touch of warmth to you as well.