Obituary of Gail Smythe

Gail A. Smythe, 82, formerly of Warren, New Jersey, passed Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Willow Valley Communities, Lancaster, PA after 12 years of navigating the challenges of Alzheimer's. Born in Newark, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late George and Frances (Huber) Morgan. Gail graduated from Columbia High School in Maplewood, NJ in 1953 and went on to graduate with a degree from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA. She worked as a secretary in New Orleans, LA and also in NJ where she met and married William (Bill) J. Smythe, Sr. on May 30, 1959. As a homemaker, her passions included gourmet cooking, ceramics, her Bible studies and her family. She also made it her life's mission to collect and care for any stray animals in need in addition to her beloved Bernese Mountain dogs. Gail enjoyed exploring the United States and Canada in her RV and spending her summers in the Poconos with her family. Later in life, Gail and Bill spent their winters in Sun City, Hilton Head, SC, surrounded by great friends. Surviving are four children: William (Bill) Jr. married to Holly, Warren, NJ; Andrea McKinney engaged to Yariv Peleg, Warrington, PA; Abigail (Abbie) Ellis married to Robert (Bob), Lancaster, PA; Alison Smythe, South Orange, NJ. Her beloved grandchildren, Katie, Lexi, Ben, Maggie, Leah, Jack and Emily. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Penny and her brother, George Morgan. Her funeral will be held on Monday, March 27, 2017. Visitation will be held at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 from 9:00 - 10:45 am. Mass will be held at Saint James Church, 184 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 at 11 am. Interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, NJ 07936 immediately following the Mass. Donations can be made to AseraCare Hospice at 280 Granite Run Drive #180, Lancaster, PA 17601 in Gail's honor.