Gayle Willits Hausherr McNeil

Born on July 16, 1939 in Jamestown, NY, she was the daughter ofthe late Olive Eugenia Bumphrey Willits and Stewart Putnam Willits.

Gayle was pre-deceased by her brother Stewart A. Willits and her loving husbands John M. Hausherr and Robert D.McNeil.

Gayle graduated from Bemus Point High School on Chautauqua Lake, NY and continued her education at Kent State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in early education. Over the years she enjoyed working as an elementary school teacher, a preschool teacher and a real estate agent, with a keen eye for residential investments. She was also active with the World Experience Student Exchange program, with her family serving as hosts to 3 international students.

Most of all, Gayle was a devoted and loving wife and mother, who enjoyed a 32-year marriage to John Hausherr before his untimely passing, followed by an 18-year marriage to Robert (Bob) McNeil.

Gayle loved reading books, painting, traveling, and entertaining. Whether living in MapleSprings, NY; Nutley, NJ; Lilburn, GA; Hilton Head, SC; or Norfolk, VA, Gayle thrived at making friends. Her door was always open if you wanted to stop by for a visit and a glass of chardonnay. Her summers at Chautauqua Lake were among her happiest times.

Left to cherish her memory are her adult children: Jim Hausherr and his wife, Lea of Sausalito, CA; Barbara Young and her husband, Charles of Gibsonville, NC; and Kathy McCoy and her husband, Chuck of Norfolk, VA. Her grandchildren, Kristin and Carson Young, and Charlotte and Charlie McCoy will miss her famous “animal pancakes.” Through her marriage to Robert (Bob) McNeil), she gained 5 additional adult children, their spouses and 8 grandchildren whom she loved and cherished. Throughout her life, Gayle forged long-lasting relationships. Of special note, she is survived by her sister-in-law, Marti Willits of Hilton Head, SC as well as several of her beloved childhood friends, cousins, nieces and nephews all across the country.

A private graveside service and burial will take place at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Lakewood, NY. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025 at her summer home in Maple Springs, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of Midway State Park, P.O. Box E,Maple Springs, NY 14756. (www.friendsofmidwaystate park.org)