Gail Batson Merritt

Gail Batson Merritt, daughter of the late Bradley and Bette Batson, and who grew up in Hebron Connecticut, has passed from this life on November 4, 2023 secondary to complications of Diabetes. She is survived by her children, Karen O'Neal, Christopher Merritt, Jason Merritt, and Timothy Merritt and their families, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and lifelong best friend, Ron Miner Hughes - all who surrounded her lovingly before her passing. She is also survived by her brother, Robert LeMay and his family, and sister, Doreen Nagi and her family. She was predeceased by her younger brother, James Batson a Marine serving in Vietnam, and her son, Philip Merritt. She is also recently predeceased by her beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Nicholas.

Gail was a 1962 Graduate of RHAM High School in Hebron where she was active in Basketball, was a Majorette, and loved participating with her parents and friends in the Podium Players who put on live Gilbert and Sullivan performances locally and throughout the state for several years. She attended Our Lady of Providence Hospital where she was a 1966 Graduate of Pediatric Nursing. A military wife raising five children, she traveled extensively and resided in Hawaii; Charleston, SC; Norfolk, VA; before finally returning to the Hebron, Lebanon, and Colchester area.

For several years Gail was employed at EastConn as a Supervisor of Transportation for special education children. For seven years prior to her retirement, she served as a Shared Caring Specialist in Nursing for the Elderly for her dear friend and nurse supervisor, Stacey DeBruin.

A celebration of Gail's life for family and friends will take place at 11:00 a.m. on November 16, 2023, at St. Peter's Church in Hebron, where she was a lifelong communicant and long time member of the Senior Choir (she especially loved sacred music all of her life). Interment will be at St. Peter's Cemetery followed by a social reception at Phelps Hall.

Gail will be greatly missed by her loving family and many friends. Contributions in Gail's name may be made to St. Peter's Church, 30 Church Street, Hebron CT 06248.