About
Gail Skucas Obituary
(nee Gailute Stase Jurate Vaiciunas)
Greece: died on Sunday, April 7, 2024 at age 82 from a long illness. Born August 8, 1942 in Lithuania, her family fled the Soviet Army and made its way to German displaced persons camps until arriving at Ellis Island in 1949. After a few years in Pennsylvania, the family settled in Roselle, New Jersey, where Gail was an active member of the Lithuanian heritage community. She graduated in 1964 from Rutgers University with a degree in French literature. At age 20, she left for a year in Paris, which cemented her as a true francophone.
In 1965, Gail married Jovitas Ginutis Skucas, MD, whose career took them to New York City and Indianapolis before settling in Hilton, NY. By this time, Gail was busy with three young children, but her love of the French language motivated her to get a teaching degree by attending night classes. She taught French, Spanish, and Russian for Barker School District for 18 years, and organized trips to France so that her students could experience its culture for themselves.
Gail was also active in the Rochester, NY Lithuanian community: she danced with the Lazdynas folk dance ensemble, took part in scouting, and studied traditional weaving in Canada and Lithuania. She volunteered her summers to teach seminars for teachers in Lithuania, and after retiring, returned to live there for part of the year.
She is survived by Jovitas, her husband of 58 years; her three children and their families; her two sisters and their families; and countless friends and students whose lives she touched.
Friends may call Sunday (April 21st) 1-3 PM at Vay-Schleich and Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Road. Calling also will be held in church, Monday (April 22nd) 9-11 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 150 Varinna Drive, Rochester, NY 14618 followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in church. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to support the Rochester and Finger Lakes chapter of the Alzheimer's Foundation in her memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
1075 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14626
Make a Donation
in Gail Skucas's name
People and places connected with Gail
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Gail's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Gail Skucas's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
