Gail Matthews

FRANKFORT - Gail Matthews, of Frankfort, NY, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on January 15, 2025. Gail was born in Utica, NY, to the late Thomas and Shirley Watkins, of New Hartford, NY.

Gail was a devoted mother to Derek (Sara) Matthews, Shelby (Mike) Mancuso and Tyler (Christina) Matthews. Her greatest love was being “Gigi” to her seven grandchildren: Janessa, Levi, Lincoln, Hudson, Finlee, Parry and Wesley. She was also grateful for her Virginia family, especially John and Leslie Miller, with whom she spent many magical Christmases. Derek, Shelby and Tyler are supported by their father, James Matthews.

Gail was pre-deceased by her parents and nephews, Jordan and Taylor and leaves behind her sister, Wendy (Mark) Levitt; and brother, Tom (Jane) Watkins; as well as a niece, Sarah; and two nephews, Brett and Matthew.

Gail was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Utica for 50 years and she also enjoyed the Fellowship of Redeemer Church in North Utica.

Gail graduated from New Hartford High School and attended Mohawk Valley Community College. She created her own business, Matthews Engraving and successfully operated it for 25 years. She excelled in sales and held various positions over the years, most recently with Ameriplan.

Gail always welcomed friends to her home and brought fun and laughter to all of those who had the privilege to be in her presence. She will be dearly missed.

Gail’s family and friends would like to extend their ultimate gratitude to the Albany Medical Center staff, whose kindness, compassion and support to Gail and her family will be forever cherished.

Calling hours are being offered on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, in Ilion, New York (Town of Frankfort) and a Funeral Home Service will begin at 4:00PM at the conclusion of the calling hours in the funeral home chapel. Interment will take place in the spring, at Forest Hill Cemetery, in Utica, New York.

It is the wish of the family, in lieu of flowers, donations are considered to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home for this purpose.

This obituary will appear in the Sunday version of the Utica Observer Dispatch (1-26-2025) and may be viewed online by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet. Arrangements are under the direction of the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors. (315) 894-8000.