Gail Chencus

Hampton – Gail (Gurczak) Chencus, 79, of Hampton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 9, 2023, after a brief illness. Gail was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, on April 1, 1943, a daughter of the late Stephen and Helen (Lachowicz) Gurczak. She shared over 53 years of marriage with her beloved husband and best friend, Joseph M. Chencus. Gail was raised in Newburyport and graduated from Newburyport High with the Class of 1960. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Boston College and upon graduation in 1964, took a position teaching Sixth Grade at Hampton Academy Junior High. While at Hampton Academy, Gail met fellow teacher Joe Chencus and they fell in love. Gail and Joe were married in 1969 and settled in Hampton. Gail retired from full-time teaching in 1970 and after a short break, continued on at Hampton Academy as a substitute teacher until 2004. Gail and Joe raised their two daughters, Kendra and Kristen, at their home at the beach. Gail loved the ocean and also enjoyed crocheting, gardening, and traveling (which may have included an occasional trip to the casino). Left to cherish her memory are Joe, Kendra Chencus and her husband, Kurt F. Somerville of Wellesley, Massachusetts, and their daughter, Kate K. Somerville, as well as extended family members and many dear friends. In addition to her parents, Gail was predeceased by her daughter Kristen Chencus and her sister, Donna Whelan. Friends may visit from 11 am to 12 pm on Thursday, March 16, 2023, in the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton. Services will follow the visitation starting at 12 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gail’s memory may be made to the Kristen Chencus Memorial Fund at Jemicy School, at https://jemicyschool.givingfuel.com/jemef, or by check made out to Jemicy School with “Kristen’s Fund” in the memo line, and mailed to 11 Celadon Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117. Kristen’s Fund was established by Gail and her family in 2009 after Kristen’s death, as a way to honor Kristen’s dedication to her students and colleagues at Jemicy School, where Kristen taught for many years. The fund is a financial aid endowment fund that supports the tuition needs of deserving students.

Gail Chencus

April 1, 1943 - March 9, 2023