Gail Louise Schomer

Gail Louise Schomer (Groom) was born on Thanksgiving Day on November 23, 1939 in Flint Michigan to her doting parents Virgil Groom (1911-1986) and Florence Groom (born Florence Barsanti Procissi 1914-1998). Gail was the oldest of three children. Gail is survived by her brother, Mott L. L. Groom (Barbara) of Albuquerque, New Mexico and sister, Mary Susan Groom (Lisa) of Jackson, Michigan. In 1947 the Groom family moved from Flint to Jackson to open Groom’s Jewelry Store. Gail started third grade at Queens Elementary and met her childhood best friends, Wendy Hawkins, Katie Martin and Margie Graham. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1957. Gail attended Michigan State University and graduated in 1961 with a degree in Elementary Education and minor in dance. She taught 6th grade, supervised playgrounds in the summer, and carried her love of children and teaching throughout her lifetime.

In 1961 Gail met her Prince Charming, John “Jack” Schomer (1938 -2018) and was married on June 16, 1962. They celebrated 56 years together. Gail and Jack lived in Detroit while Jack completed law school at Wayne State University and then later returned to Jackson, Michigan.

Gail’s greatest joy was in the raising of their five beautiful children, and in being a loving wife and mother. She loved her extended family, her wonderful friends, and all things in nature. In her later years, she became a prolific artist, inspiring others to draw, doodle and expand their awareness through artistic expression. Gail wanted everyone to know that the whole of nature is a part of us, not always beautiful, but still within us. We don’t need to be perfect, but we need to be authentic, because our Creator made us to be “us”.

She is survived by her five children & their spouses: Jason (Becky) Schomer of Rochester, Michigan, John (Lee) Schomer of North Royalton, Ohio, Abby (Paul) Thouin of Eldersburg, Maryland, Lincoln (Heather) Schomer of Rochester, Michigan, and Dina (Chris) Collins of Glenview, Illinois. In addition, Gail has 23 grandchildren: Rachel (Brad) Ellison, Samual (Katie) Schomer, Benjamin Schomer , Abraham (Mariah) Thouin, Olivia (Brady) Gardner, John Joseph “Jack”(Tamara) Schomer, Casey Schomer, Jason John (Victoria “Tori”) Schomer, John Thouin, Camille Schomer, Christopher Collins, Brooke Collins, Christian Schomer, Ella Schomer, Luke Collins, Lincoln James “LJ” Schomer, John Joseph “Jack” Collins, Beau Schomer, Joey Schomer, Charlie Schomer, Robert (Eden) Hickox, Ricky Brooks and Tyler (Lisa) Brooks; Gail also has 11 & 1/2 great-grandchildren: Lennox & Simon Ellison, Liberty & Pierce Gardner, Elijah Schomer, Robert Hickox, Jr, Emily Hickox, Allison Hickox, Matthew Hickox, Rylee Hickox and Tyler “TJ” Brooks.

The family will greet friends from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Dr., Rochester, MI. A private funeral service will be held for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice. Fond memories and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.pixleyfh.com.