Gaynell May Natoli

Gaynell May Natoli, 84, of Mount Airy, MD, passed peacefully at home on January 1, 2025.

She was born August 20, 1940 in Forestville to George A. and Gaynell C. Trexler. 

Gay spent most of her childhood in Capitol Heights, MD. She was a little girl who liked to care for her pets and draw. She was the wife of the late J. Nicholas Natoli, with whom she raised seven children on a farm in Daisy. They were married 43 years before his death in 2000.

Gay worked in food and nutrition service for the Howard County Public School System for 25 years until her retirement. She managed the Bushy Park Elementary school kitchen for her entire career and was adored by staff and students.

 She enjoyed mahjong, card games, board games, sewing, making Christmas candy, travel, and most of all, her large and loving family. In the 1970s, she used her impressive abilities as a seamstress to make most of the red and white Lisbonettes marching corps uniforms. She was an enthusiastic Elvis Presley fan and stood in line to meet him in the 1950s. 

Gay is survived by her children, Nick (Jean) of Oakland; Joe (Laurie) of Mount Airy; Nancy Rouillard (Tom) of Frederick; Mary of Chesapeake Beach; Dan (Cindie) of Woodbine; and James (Barbara) of Gaithersburg; 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; siblings Evelyn McClanahan (Douglas), Georgeanne Nolen, Daniel Trexler; beloved kitty Caroline; daughter by heart Lisa Brightwell of Catonsville; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was predeceased by a son, George, in 1987.

The family will receive friends on Monday, January 13, 2025 at Stauffer Funeral Home, 8 E. Ridgeville Boulevard, Mount Airy, from 6pm to 8pm.

A mass will take place on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Saint Michael Catholic Church, 1125 Saint Michaels Road, Mount Airy, beginning at 11am.

Interment to follow Mass at Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Frederick Health Hospice for the excellent care provided to her.