Gail Janet Chute

Gail Janet Chute (nee Patenaude), 81, Erie passed away on Friday, July 8, 2022, surrounded by family after a prolonged illness.
Gail was born on March 3, 1941, to Raymond and Jeannette Patenaude in Salem, Massachusetts in the middle of a blizzard – which is how she came to be named "Gail." She had an older brother, Richard; younger brother, Paul; and younger sister, Joyce. Her family moved to Hamilton, Massachusetts when she was 10 which is where she eventually met the love of her life – Robert (Bob) Chute. After graduating from Hamilton High School in 1959, she worked as a keypunch operator until Bob graduated from MIT. They were married in 1960 at St. John's Catholic Church in Essex, MA, and honeymooned at Niagara Falls.
Gail and Bob were married for 61 blissful years. They had 4 daughters: Dianna, Cheryl, Susan, and Deborah. The family moved to Erie in 1972 and Gail quickly became a dedicated volunteer at Chestnut Hill Elementary School in Millcreek. In 1987, Gail was awarded a Lifetime Membership in the Pennsylvania PTA in honor of her tireless service for the children in her community.
In 1988, Gail followed her lifelong passion for travel by attending Mercyhurst College and graduating with a certificate in Travel Agency. She worked for North Coast Travel & Tours, helping countless others plan their dream vacations. She and Bob pursued their travel dreams including an African safari, Caribbean cruises, and visits to Hawaii, China, and Europe. After retiring, Gail became a volunteer with the Hamot Aid Society – spearheading holiday decorating and staffing the visitor's desk with a smile. Bob and Gail also served together as docents at the Erie Zoo where they shared their love of animals with others.
Gail will be remembered as a spunky, outgoing lady who was quick with a joke and never let anything stop her from living life to the fullest. She was a loyal and life-long friend who would do anything to lend a helping hand. Above all else to Gail, family came first, a value she instilled in all those around her. Her greatest delights were her beloved husband, daughters, and grandchildren. The hole left by her absence is impossible to fill.
Gail was predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Jeannette Patenaude, and her brothers, Richard and Paul. She is survived by her husband, Bob; sister, Joyce Grotton; daughters and spouses: Dianna & Corey Kenneally, Cheryl & Jeff Miller, Susan Chute, and Deborah Chute & Scott Bowlus; and grandchildren: Jessica, John, and Allison Kenneally; Kristian and Stuart Skogsholm; Rebecca Miller; and Bailey and Lucy Bowlus.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gail's name to the Erie Zoological Society, 423 W 38th St, Erie, PA 16508. Friends may call at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 W. 38th Street at Greengarden Blvd., on Thursday July 14th from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. until the time of a funeral service there at 7 p.m. A celebration of Gail's life is being planned with the location and time to be announced at a later date. Private interment will be at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.