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Gail Marie Sudderth, 65, of Leesburg, VA, died Friday, July 9, 2021. She was born to Billy Deaton and Geraldine Kellett Sudderth in Duluth, GA. She graduated from Marietta High School, Marietta, GA in 1973. She received her certificate in Respiratory Therapy from Emory University School of Medicine in 1976.

Her professional career began at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, GA, followed by INOVA Loudon Hospital, Leesburg, VA, Inova-Fairfax Hospital, Fairfax, VA and ending at Passy-Muir of Irvine, CA. While at Passy-Muir Gail established herself as a world class consultant and educator in the area of voice boxes and tracheotomy. As a lead therapist at a large teaching hospital, she worked with medically complex patients who required tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation, where her expertise was to manage patients who were considered difficult to wean. In her role, she worked closely with the speech-language pathologists and developed training competencies for tracheotomy. Gail developed and co-developed web-based presentations and on-site seminars for medical professionals who care for patients with tracheostomy. A recognized (and well loved) and invited speaker, she has presented in the United States and internationally at hospitals, as well as state and medical professional meetings, on the topic of airway and ventilator management and the application of the Passy Muir® Valve. In addition, she has presented and published articles on the importance and development of multidisciplinary airway management teams.

Gail adored her grandbabies, loved to read, enjoyed decorating (particularly for Christmas) and loved her morning coffee. Gail told it like it was and was the "steel magnolia" of the family. Gail never a met a stranger and could tell a great story (true or false). She was always on the hunt for the best chicken salad, deviled egg and cheese grits recipes.

Gail is preceded in death by her parents. Surviving are her son and daughter, Joseph Schumacher (Oona) of Round Hill, VA and Lara Lee (David) of San Diego, CA and three grandchildren, Brayden Kimbrough-Schumacher, Cora Schumacher and Benjamin Lee, sister, Karen Tidwell of Huntsville, AL, brothers, Bob (Stella) of Alcoa, TN and Tim (Terri) of Columbus, GA, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held July 27, 2021 at 1 pm at the Colonial Funeral Home in Leesburg, VA. The service will be in-person and live-streamed. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Reception to follow memorial service.