Mrs. Gail W. Duryea, of Frederick, MD, passed away on Sunday, February 17, 2013 from pneumonia following a long battle with COPD. Born in 1936 to Dorothy and Leon Wisneski in South Amboy, NJ, Gail was the eldest of three sisters and a brother. In her younger years she trained and worked as a medical assistant in New York City, where she met and married Robert W. Duryea. They moved to Rockland County, NY, where they raised their two daughters. After retirement and the dissolution of her marriage, Gail moved to Frederick, MD to be closer to her daughters and their growing families. Once in Frederick, Gail was aided by an amazing array of dedicated and kind professionals, including the wonderful and caring staff of the Way Station, Inc. for fourteen years, and for which she served on the Board of Directors from February 2005 - June 2007. Gail was a tireless advocate for mental health services, and at the Way Station she worked hard to fight against the stigmatization of the mentally ill. Gail was proud to be profiled in a Spring 2002 article, "Gail's Story" by Way Station Occupational Therapist Laura Harper. Gail is survived by two sisters, Marie Townsend of NJ and Gloria Tapson of CA; a brother, William Wisneski of NJ; two daughters, Suzanne Duryea and Carla Haywood, both of MD; and six grandchildren, Elena, Lidia, Sophie, Betsy, Amelia and Henry, all of MD. Arrangements are being handled by Keeney & Basford of 106 East Church Street, Frederick, MD (in the historic Trail Mansion). Friends will be received at 10:30am on Thursday, February 21, 2013, with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:30am. Father Michael J. Jendrek will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Way Station, Inc. of Frederick County, MD, at 230 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21705. Please view and sign the family guestbook by going to www.keeneybasford.com.
