Gail K. DeAtley

Gail Kathleen Schroeder was born on May 7, 1936 in Buffalo, NY.  She is predeceased by her loving husband of 50+ years, Louis Benjamin DeAtley and her brother Karl. She is survived by her brother Jim.

Gail’s many achievements begin when she graduated as valedictorian of her small high school. To top that, she graduated first in her class in the business department at the University of Buffalo, and moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the CIA as an Intelligence Officer and economic analyst.

Her childhood consisted of listening to baseball games, as well as shows like the Lone Ranger, on the radio. More activities included swimming and going to Crystal Beach amusement park.  Gail joyfully spent time producing plays with her cousins and brothers in Rushford and even acted in junior and senior high plays.

Louis and Gail met at a dance, and when Louis asked for her phone number, Gail playfully said that he should look her up in the phone book… under Schroeder, like the Peanuts character. Lou’s persistence paid off, and they married in 1963. As she said, “He managed to solve the puzzle!” Turns out, “Dad was a very good dancer!”

Gail and Lou bought a house on Hanover Street in Bowie, Maryland, and raised their four children, Karen, Christine, Rhonda, and Mark, alongside wonderful neighbors and life-long friends. Together, they cheered on the Washington Redskins during dozens of games, and even in the coldest conditions, they were loyal fans.

They were also huge supporters of the University of Maryland Terrapins, and dutifully called to sing the school’s fight song over the phone to their children after each team victory.  

Upon retirement, Gail and Lou moved to Florida and spent a glorious year living in Pass-a-Grille Beach, enjoying space shuttle launches, dolphins, and sunset swims.

Gail and Lou spent many happy years living in a house in Sun City, and Lou played cards and tennis as well as traveled with Gail, who also enjoyed Gadabouts trips and running a book club for her grandchildren to encourage the same love of reading that she had.

Gail’s playful outlook made her the perfect companion for hijinks with her ten grandchildren Seth, Tyler, Carolina, Lauren, Dan, Michael, Dominic, Steven, Mitchell, and Nicole. Recently, she was able to hold and hug her precious great-grandchild Noah. 

She will be forever missed and celebrated by her loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.