Gail Marie Purdy

Gail Marie Purdy, 68, of Jacksonville, FL passed away Saturday, February 27, 2021. She was born in Holyoke, MA on November 28, 1952. Gail graduated from Holyoke High School and received the high honors of Summa Cum Laude and Magna Cum Laude, Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Development from University of North Florida. Gail had a career in Early Child Education working at Catapult Learning Center. She married Marcus Davis Purdy Jr. (Buddy) on December 19, 1970 and was happily married for 19 years before his passing from cancer in July of 1989. She had a passion for movie watching, reading, thrift store shopping and spending time with her family. Gail loved Game of Thrones, sudoku, and her coffee. Gail was hard working, intelligent and independent, she was strong and fought hard until the end. She was a warrior in life and always found a way to help those in need. On the night she passed, she was place in God’s hand under a starlit sky by her favorite grandson Dale and daughter Lisa. Gail is survived by her daughters Kimberley and Angel Barzaga and Lisa Purdy, grandchildren Dale Matheson Jr., Rayven Masters-Hinkle, Angel AnaMaria Barzaga, Ayden Barzaga, Sydnie Zelaya, Pyper Clemons, Luna Orellana and great grandchildren Skylar Masters-Hinkle, Emily Medors, Lilly Medors and several step great grandchildren she loved as her own. Her sister Donna and Michael Merchant and their children Michael and Melissa Merchant and Rosemary La Pierre from Mass. She also leaves from Westfield, Mass her in-laws, Ben and Pat Purdy, Bruce Purdy, Craig and Ruth Purdy, Jack and Eileen Minelli, and Gayle Valencia, Faye Wysocki, Holly and Dan Beckwith and Donna and Tim Kannel of Virginia Beach. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews including Dan Minelli who was like a son to her. She also leaves behind lifelong friends Teri and John Pinder and Fran Malnati. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2021 beginning at 11am at Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207 to be followed by a celebration of life at the home of Lisa Purdy. Please see family for additional details and directions. All are invited.