Gail Ann Hutchinson Schat, 83 of Orange Park, Florida passed away in her home on December 7, 2024, after a long illness with Multiple Myeloma. She was born August 19, 1941 in Farmington, Maine to the late Harland H. Hutchinson and Evelyn F. (Cole) Hutchinson. She was preceded in death by her former husbands: Homer Eugene McKay and Izaak (Jack) Schat. She is survived by her three sons: Bobby McKay (Kathy), Jesse McKay and Alan Babins; two stepchildren: Paul Schat (Ineke) and Daphine Schat; eight grandchildren: John McKay (Laura), Andrew McKay (Hannah), Matthew McKay (Olivia), Gabrielle Woodcock (Anthony), Hillary Holton (Shaun), Hannah McKay, Grace McKay and Jelte Schat. She is survived by 17 great-grandchildren whom she adored and never tired of being with.
Gail was a 1961 graduate of Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine. After High School she met and married a dashing Navy man, Homer Eugene McKay (Texas). Together they had 2 sons before he was tragically killed in the Vietnam War on February 6, 1968. Years later, she met and married a Royal Dutch Navy Pilot named Jack Schat. They were together over 35 years. He preceded her in death on November 22, 2023.
Gail was a Hair Stylist by trade and worked at various beauty salons in Mandarin. She loved her clients and continued driving to cut their hair until the last few weeks of her life. She also loved to shop and will be missed by the employees of TJ Maxx who knew her by name.
Her family, her children, her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her life and she was ours too. We have the wonderful memories of Thanksgivings and Christmas’ at Grammie and Opa Jacks house since 1989. We remember the pool parties. We remember the rum cakes, cookies, banana and orange bread that would be quietly delivered to our doorsteps. She always had a smile and love in her eyes. We truly miss you.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, please make donations to Community Hospice & Palliative Care Team, 4266 Sunbeam Road Jacksonville, FL 32257.
A private ceremony will be held with her close family and friends.
Paul Schat
January 14, 2025, 11:27 am
Best stepmother you could ever wish for. I miss her and will continue to do so.