Gail Hiatt
LEBANON - Gail Hiatt, 84, of Lebanon, died peacefully January 6, 2024 at Cornwall Manor Retirement Community, Cornwall, Pa. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Paul Batteux and Ellen (Hettel) Batteux, and sister of the late Paul Batteux Jr. She was the beloved wife of John H. Hiatt for fifty-four years.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by four sons - Robert P. of Bokeelia Fl., Daniel J. and David S., both of Virginia Beach, Va., and Michael D, of Waynesboro, Pa.; and by six grandchildren - Kelly M., Ian M., Marianna (“Annie”) G., Ellen (“Marza”) M., Evan P. and Anthony (“Tony”) C.
Gail’s interests and passions were wide and varied. Wanderlust preceded her marriage. A yen “to see the world” led her to the travel industry where she became a travel consultant with Aer Lingus. When John and the boys arrived on the scene, career yielded to her love of and devotion to family. Hubby and the kids knew that she loved them. Rarely a school day passed that she was not home to greet the little students when they ran in the house after the bus “dropped” them off. They could count on her for a big hug, a compassionate ear and a gentle nudge to do the next right thing.
While family came first, a growing interest in antique dolls was bubbling beneath the surface. She began to amass an enviable collection of antique dolls and teddy bears, founded the Valley Forge Doll Club, was an active member of the prestigious Letitia Penn Doll Club in Philadelphia, and gave numerous presentations.
As the kids matured and began to develop and practice their independence, she combined her love for travel and antiques by planning and leading small group tours throughout Europe, most notably the British Isles, tours uniquely designed for antique doll and bear lovers.
Although Gail’s life interests kept her very busy, they were firmly grounded in her unwavering Christian faith. From Sunday School as a child to Sunday School as an adult and into retirement, she was ever practicing her faith, a faith that carried her through as declining health complicated her later years. She is now with the Lord.
Refer to the Kreamer Funeral Home website for more. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gail’s name to the Cornwall Manor Retirement Community Benevolent Fund. A private service for the family is planned.