Gail Schneider Boyd

Gail Schneider Boyd, a beloved figure in Salem County, NJ, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2024, at the age of 90.

Born on October 24, 1933, in Salem, NJ, Gail’s life was a testament to her deep-rooted commitment to her community and her vibrant spirit. Gail was a proud member of the Salem High School Class of 1951 and remained actively involved with her classmates, helping to organize reunions and luncheons that kept their bonds strong. In her earlier years, she and her first husband, Allen Glaspey, owned and operated Glaspey’s Music Store in Salem. Following Allen’s passing, Gail continued to run the store on her own until she married her second husband Samuel Boyd. Her second marriage marked the beginning of a new
chapter, during which she became the first woman president of the Salem Country Club. At the country club, she organized a gourmet group where members came together to prepare and enjoy meals. It was also at the club that she learned how to plank shad for the annual shad dinners. Gail joined St. John’s Episcopal Church after her marriage to Samuel in 1972. As a devoted member, she was actively involved in various church activities, including the choir and handbell choir.

She also had a hand in creating needlepoint kneelers and banners for the church sanctuary. However, it was with the St. John’s Quilting Group that Gail felt was her greatest legacy. Starting in the 1990s, she led a group of dedicated women in creating baby quilts for children at the Ronald McDonald House in Camden, NJ. Their collective effort resulted in hundreds of quilts delivered over the years, providing comfort and warmth to the families who stayed there. Gail’s generosity extended to her volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, where she delivered food and companionship to local residents. Gail was also an accomplished artist who enjoyed painting in both oil and watercolor. She enjoyed her time with the Fenwick Sketchers, whose artwork was regularly showcased throughout Salem County.

In 1995, Gail’s lifelong contributions to her community were recognized when she was awarded the Salem County Woman of Achievement Award. Aside from her passion for community service, she loved traveling the world, reading, sewing, and knitting Christmas stockings. She was also known for her love of daily word puzzles and Scrabble, where she took great pleasure in beating everyone who challenged her. Gail is survived by her two daughters, Robin Weesner (Gary) and Trudi Koston (Charlie), a stepdaughter Mary Cotellesse (David), and many nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 10th, at the St. John's Episcopal Church, 76 Market Street, Salem, NJ 08079. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House in Camden, NJ, in her memory. Gail Schneider Boyd’s legacy of compassion, creativity, and community spirit will forever be cherished by those who had the honor of knowing her.

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