Gail Manchee Mapel

1935 - 2025

Gail Manchee Mapel
July 31, 1935 - January 12, 2025
Gail Manchee Mapel, 89, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025 at her home in New Castle, NH, surrounded by her loving family.
Gail was born July 31, 1935 to Frederick Manchee and Gladys (Miller) Manchee of Ridgewood, NJ. She had an older sister, Meryl Manchee Vallar.
Gail graduated from Ridgewood High School and attended Connecticut College for Women. Summer highlights as a teenager included working as a waitress on the Jersey Shore, and traveling around the country and overseas with family. After college, she worked as a secretary for Johnny Carson and later at Union Carbide where she met William M.R. (Bill) Mapel.
Gail and Bill were married June 21, 1958. They made their home in Darien, CT, where they had three children: Susan, Stephen, and Daniel.
Gail was an active member of the Darien community. She was a leader of the PTA at her children's schools. She launched and ran Darien's "Call-a-Car" (later called Gallivant), a program of volunteers providing rides for seniors to medical appointments and errands. Pre-internet, this required tracking and scheduling all requests and resources using paper and a rotary phone at her kitchen table. She also volunteered for Children's Aid and numerous other organizations.
In 2006, Gail and Bill moved to New Castle, NH to be closer to family and enjoy a new adventure in their later years.
In New Castle, Gail served on the board of the Mill Pond Homeowners' Association and on the Architectural Review Committee and closely followed town news. She was a supporter of numerous political campaigns and philanthropic causes. She enjoyed her neighborhood book club, water aerobics classes, and catching up with friends near and far. She never lost appreciation for the beautiful sunsets at all times of the year.
Gail was sensitive, intelligent, and committed to personal growth and healing. She had a wry sense of humor, loved to laugh, and enjoyed sharing stories and memories from years gone by. Many people were touched by her generosity and kindness.
Gail was a loving mother and grandmother and cherished visits with her family. When her grandchildren were young, she was often seen on the floor with them, a willing partner in imaginary play. She was a good sport, letting them cast her in wild costumes and ridiculous roles. She was a devoted spouse who took excellent care of her husband, Bill, through a long illness.
Gail is survived by her children and their spouses, Susan (Tracy Walton), of Cambridge, MA, Stephen (Karen Swallow), of Sherman Oaks, CA, and Daniel (Mary) of New Hope, VA, and three grandchildren: Clara, Jack, and Gabriel. She was predeceased by her sister, Meryl; her husband, Bill; and her beloved grandson, Will.
A memorial celebration of life is planned for the Spring.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Seacoast Village Project in Portsmouth, NH. seacoastvillageproject.org
For online condolences, visit: www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com.