Gail Buchanan Estes, 73, of Lafayette Hill, PA, passed away on August 6, 2022 after a hard-fought, courageous battle with brain cancer. A clinical psychologist, she practiced as Gail Buchanan Luyster, Ph.D. Gail’s love of her family and her clinical work were driving forces in her life. She was infinitely kind, generous, and patient. Whether known as Gail, Dr. Estes, Dr. Luyster, mom, or Grandma, she was loved fiercely.
 
Gail was born on July 20, 1949 to the Reverend Calvin and Doris Buchanan in Pittsburgh, PA. The oldest of five children, Gail and her family moved to West Hartford, Connecticut, and finally, Maumee, Ohio where her father served as pastor for First Presbyterian Church of Maumee until his death in 1974.
 
After Gail graduated from Maumee High School in 1967, she went on to study psychology, English, and French at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. The two years following graduation were eventful. She worked as a French/English teacher in rural Nevada, escorted a group of students through a summer tour in Europe, and returned to Maumee to marry her first husband, a member of the US Air Force. She spent several years moving between different bases, and gave birth to her daughter, Sarah, in 1973. Gail was inspired to pursue a career in clinical psychology after enrolling in a psychology course at Northern Michigan University while stationed in Marquette, MI. She soon earned her first masters in counseling.
 
In 1978, Gail and her daughter moved to Philadelphia, PA where she began attending Temple University. She earned her second masters in clinical psychology in 1981 and was awarded a full Fellowship at Temple University in the Clinical Division of the Department of Psychology. She earned her doctorate in 1984. This was the start of an exceptional professional career and involvement in work that Gail adored.
 
Gail’s early career included psychologist positions at Family Resource Partners, Fairmount Professional Associates, Philadelphia Psychiatric Center, and Friends Hospital. She began her private practice in 1993 out of Bala Cynwyd, PA. In 2000, Gail expanded her practice to provide behavioral health services for clients in the Western suburbs of Philadelphia. Over the course of her career, Gail met lifelong friends, colleagues, and mentors who enriched her life immeasurably.
 
As a clinician, Gail touched the lives of countless individuals, couples, and families. She was dedicated to helping others overcome challenges and she passionately believed in kindness, generosity, and a sense of community. Gail reluctantly closed her practice in July 2021 due to health issues.
 
In 1989, Gail met her current husband, Richard Estes, through a personal ad in Philadelphia Magazine. Richard has three daughters from a previous marriage – Lynn, Vicki, and Jennifer – who Gail loved as her own. Of the many things that Gail enjoyed, her travels with Richard were some of her most favorite. She adored Hawaii and Europe, with thoughts of pastries at a café in Paris always bringing a smile. She loved to explore shops, museums, and restaurants, especially if they had a good wine list. At home, Gail liked to garden, read the newspaper (only the physical newspaper), and watch a good period drama. She also loved each and every one of the dogs that she adopted over the years and they adored her.
 
Gail was predeceased by her father Calvin and brother Kevin. Gail is survived by her husband Richard and four daughters, Sarah (Mickey), Lynn, Vicki (Dave), Jennifer (Tom); her mother, Doris, siblings, Doug (Chris), Laurie, Neil; 12 grandchildren, Andrew, Ryan, Chelsea, Kieran, Lucas, Nora, Isabella, Jack, Nick, Jessie, Julia, Brendan, as well as countless friends, colleagues, and extended family.

A memorial service in Gail’s honor will be held on Saturday August 20, 2022, at 10:00am at Laurel Hill Funeral Home, with interment immediately following the memorial service.