Gail P. Schaeffer, 86, of Wallingford, loving wife of the late Robert H. Schaeffer Sr. for 65 years, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 13, 2024, in her home after a long battle with dementia and Parkinsons. She was born in Schuylkill Haven, PA on March 19, 1938, a daughter of the late Merritt and Mabel (Strauch) Batdorf.

Gail dedicated her life to serving the Wallingford community in both her professional and volunteer roles. She worked an impressive 34 years with the Wallingford Police Department, retiring in 2005 as assistant to the Chief of Police. Her commitment extended beyond her professional role as she actively participated with the Chief of Police Secretaries Association (COPSA) and served on the board of the Wallingford Municipal Federal Credit Union. Even after retirement, she continued working part-time in the mayor’s office, I2S and in her volunteer roles.

Gail spearheaded local initiatives like the Adopt-A-Road program, organizing clean-up efforts to maintain Wallingford's charm. She also served on the board of Wallingford Center Inc., where she enthusiastically participated in Celebrate Wallingford, a community event designed to highlight the town’s vibrant culture and close-knit community.

Gail’s life was defined by her love of family, friends, and learning. She cherished her grandchildren and stayed active, taking painting and quilting classes, tennis lessons, and participating in all the latest exercise trends and gym workouts. Gail had a natural gift for connecting with others, enriching her life with new friendships and experiences.

Gail’s unwavering commitment to her family, community, and personal growth is her enduring legacy. Her big heart and beautiful smile will be deeply missed by her loved ones and the countless people whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her daughters, Kim Worrall of Wallingford and Kristen Hohmann (Edmund Sr.), of Wallingford; her son, Robert Schaeffer Jr. of Dublin, CA; her grandchildren, Paul Worrall (Allison Chiodo), Michael and Madeline Schaeffer, E.J., Emma, and Keira Hohmann; her sister, Beth Batdorf; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her siblings, Merritt Batdorf Jr., Elaine Mengel, Ida Mae Bugajinsky, Paul Batdorf, and Jo Ann Kolbe.

Her family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street Ext., on Thursday, December 19th from 3:00 to 6:00pm. Her funeral service and celebration of her life will begin at 6:00pm. Interment in In Memoriam Cemetery, 18 Maplewood Ave, Wallingford, will be held on Friday, December 20th at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research www.michaeljfox.org/donate