Gail Eleanor Groff Martin

Gail passed away peacefully on November 20, 2022 in River Ridge. Born in New Orleans on December 6, 1940, the daughter of Henry Hille Groff and Althea Schulz Groff. Gail grew up in Old Jefferson, a member of St. John Lutheran Church and attended St. John Lutheran School. She graduated from, and was a proud member of, East Jefferson class of 1958. She enjoyed staying active and in touch with her classmates, especially her lifelong friend, Paula Riddick. Gail met the love of her life and married Gaynell Joseph Martin on February 6, 1959, in Faith Lutheran Church, where they were members for decades. Gail and Gaynell were married for over 50 years. During their marriage Gail and Gaynell were inseparable at both work and play. Following their time at Martin-Lebreton, on July 23, 1969, together, they formed Gaynell J. Martin Insurance, operating today in Harahan. Gail’s contributions to the family business were unimaginable and impossible to quantify for many decades. Gail and Gaynell’s love story lasted over 50 years, during which they entertained, danced, cooked, traveled the world by land, air, sea, and train, including motor homing to Nova Scotia, cruising around the world and enjoying family vacations to Europe and Asia, among many other destinations. Gail truly enjoyed her time with Gaynell, closer to home as well, celebrating in the French Quarter, relaxing aboard Oui Dutch and spending quiet time on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. When time permitted, in addition to honing her excellent cooking skills, she enjoyed creating needlepoint and petit point, true works of needlework art. Gail enjoyed her German heritage, traveling to Germany multiple times, dining at Kolb’s restaurant and socializing at the original Deutsches Haus in New Orleans. Loving mother to Michael Louis Martin and Jon Charles Martin (deceased) and “Mere” to grandson William and Gerald Martin, whom she loved dearly. Loving sister to Dr. Gary H. Groff of Pascagoula. Gail will be missed not only by family and close friends, but by the many people’s lives she touched at her favorite restaurants. She was the quintessential “lady who lunches”. Gail is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Gaynell, and her son, Jon. She is survived by her son, Michael Louis Martin (Judy), grandson William Martin (Sarah) and Gerald Martin, her brother Dr. Gary H. Groff (Cathy) and daughter-in-law Keppy Laudeman Martin as well as niece Enders Groff Safalow (Bradley) and nephew Christian W. Groff and cousins and great nephews. The family would like to thank the ladies who tenderly cared for Gail over the last 10 years, including but not limited to, Terry Wallace, Precious Silva, Jackie Phillips, Carolyn Weber, Patrice Dunbar, Melanie Wuario, and Andi Lewis. Gail was a devout Lutheran and her funeral service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, 3937 Canal Street, New Orleans, on November 26 at 10:30 a.m. The visitation begins at 9:30 am. A faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church, her funeral service, Pastor Robert Belknap, officiant, will take place in the church where she was baptized and confirmed. Interment will follow the service at St. John’s Cemetery, 4841 Canal Street, New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial to Zion Lutheran Church, 1539 St. Andrew Street, New Orleans, La 70130. Arrangements under the direction of Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home.

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