Gail C. Neary passed away peacefully at home on July 21, 2024, at the age of 70.

Even after a year-and-a-half-long battle with cancer, Gail maintained her kindness, caring, and upbeat attitude until the very end. Gail was born and raised in Dunellen, graduating in 1972 from Dunellen High School. She continued her education at Middlesex County College, graduating with an associate degree in dental hygiene.

Gail had a happy life with her husband Rich and son David in Perrineville, N.J., before retiring and moving to Statesville, N.C. She loved her gorgeous lake house, especially tending to all her beautiful flowers and luscious shrubs. She enjoyed volunteering at Habitat for Humanity. For six years she spent her time in various storefronts close to home in Statesville. Together with Rich, Gail loved attending car shows. She belonged to the Brigadoon Jaguar Group, a small group of friends that shared their love of vintage Jaguar automobiles. For Gail, it was a 1956 XK 140. Couples from all over would meet yearly, everyone driving their restored Jaguars to the events and sharing memories and making new ones. Another club was the Cadillac Club. Together, Rich and Gail were avid supporters of the club and hosted “Lakeside Picnic at the Neary’s” at their home on Lake Norman for many years, and attended nearly every activity held that they could. Their 1957 Fleetwood with the “1 MPG” license plate was enjoyed by all. When Gail wasn’t at the lake, you could find her in Lavallette, N.J., soaking up as much New Jersey sun as she could. From the time she was a small child, she spent every summer vacationing at the Jersey shore, a place near and dear to her heart.

Surviving are her husband Rich and son David, along with her sister, Carol Maritz and wife Sue Cohen; sister Jeanne Fitzgerald and husband John; niece and nephew, Christina and Jay Fitzgerald; and cousins Larry and Stacy Grady and Karin Peterson.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Glioblastoma Foundation or Habitat for Humanity.

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Neary family.