Gail Carolyn Mackey, age 86 of Santa Cruz, CA passed away peacefully and in her sleep on May 3, 2022. Gail worked for the State of California’s Board of Equalization as a Sales and Use Tax Representative for over 40 years. She started her career in Southern California at age 17 and moved to Santa Cruz in 1985 where she retired in 1994. That is where she met Jennie Conway in 1993 and became lifelong best friends by being kindred spirits. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert H. Mackey, Ola Fern Mackey Black and brother Gary Mackey. She is survived by her life partner Ronald West, brother Guy (Bia) Mackey, daughter Pamela (Ray) Farris, Grandsons Adam and Wesley (Maria) Farris, Nephews Robert, Jeff and Kelly Mackey and Nieces Lisa Sayphraraj and Kory Gott. No funeral or memorial services are immediately planned. It was Gail’s wishes to have her ashes spread at sea in the Monterey Bay off the coast of Santa Cruz. We will notify loved ones when services will be scheduled. Her doggie Rosie was the light of her life, so in Lieu of flowers, donations sent to your local animal shelter would touch Gail’s heart. We want to thank Dr. Mary Patz and staff for the loving care given over the years, especially the last year. Also, Hospice of Santa Cruz and Staff at Paradise Villa for the care in her final days.