Gail Watson McDermott, avid outdoor enthusiast

Gail Watson McDermott, 87, died peacefully Monday, June 19, 2023, after a long battle with cancer, at her home in Rehoboth Beach surrounded by her family.  

She was born May 30, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Jack and Alice Watson. Gail graduated from Garrison Forest School in 1954 and went on to study psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, where she played lacrosse and field hockey.

She met the love of her life and best friend, Matthew “Mac” McDermott, in Rehoboth. They were married in 1959 at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Rehoboth Beach. They were blessed with three children, Kathleen, Jamie and John.

Gail loved life, the beach, her 5 p.m. glass of wine, cheese and crackers with her friends, walking her beloved dog Lily, and most of all spending time with her family. Gail could always be found in her garden, and loved making flower arrangements for her home and as gifts for others.

Gail, Mom, Mimom (as known by her grandchildren), was known for her gentle way and her love of giving back to the community. She worked with the Children’s Beach House, Friends of the Library, Doctors without Borders (with her husband Mac), All Saints’ Church, and others too numerous to list.

Gail made many lifelong friends at Garrison and the University of Pennsylvania, and in Wilmington and Rehoboth. She was an avid outdoor enthusiast and athlete. During her younger years, she played football with the guys, earning the nickname Fred, by which her husband Mac lovingly referred to her. You could find them both hunting, fishing and spending time together on the beach with friends and family.

Gail was the center of the McDermott family, hosting countless holiday gatherings, birthday parties, cocktail parties and receptions, and special occasions. Gail “Mimom’s” house in Rehoboth was the gathering place in the summer for the family, where laughter and fun filled the house and many happy fond memories were made. We all hold her and her home in our hearts.

All who knew Gail were better people for having known her because of the love and kindness she possessed and shared.

Gail was preceded in death by her husband, Matthew McDermott. She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Hillman; sons, Jamie McDermott and his wife Suzanne, and John McDermott and his wife Lecia; her grandchildren, Shannon, Matthew, Davis, Andrew, Jack and Anna, and her great-grandchildren, Kayla and Will.

A celebration of her life will take place at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 29, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Children’s Beach House, 1800 Bay Ave., Lewes, DE, cbhinc.org, are appreciated.

Visit Gail’s Life Memorial webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.