Gay was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Her Scranton roots created a sense of humility, determination and kindness that anchored her life. She attended Penn State and obtained a Masters degree in early childhood education, from Columbia University.
Gay met her husband Bill at the Jersey Shore where they were both working one summer. They married in 1960. The couple raised their four children in Scarsdale. As the children grew, Gay became interested in civic matters in the Village. She particularly focused on the Scarsdale Woman’s Club. She twice became its president.
Gay had an appreciation for the beauty and splendor of the 150-year old Club house and spearheaded its renovation, first, by air conditioning the club so that it could be rented out during the summer. Subsequently, she worked with a close friend who headed the State Interior Decorators Association to sponsor a “Show House” enlisting 28 nationally renowned interior designers to decorate and outfit a room or other space in the building. The result was specular. The club house was revitalized and remains a wonderful venue for parties and events to this day.
A gracious and elegant hostess, Gay loved to entertain family and friends. She and Bill hosted Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter dinners for over 50 years and also regularly put on terrific cocktail and dinner parties. Gay’s hospitality extended to Southampton where she found a phenomenal summer house and destination for her and Bill to host their kids, grandkids, family and friends.
During the early mornings - always her favorite time of day - Gay could be found circling the High School track or swimming at the Scarsdale pool. Maintaining her slim figure and athletic ability throughout her life, Gay was always a joyful addition to her exercise classes in Scarsdale and Southampton.
Gay was an incredibly good person - caring, helpful, a good friend. She was a great and beloved wife, mother and grandmother. Gay was beautiful from without and beautiful from within.
Gay is survived by her husband Bill; children Bill, Sean (Nancy), Tara (Simon) and Jack (Suzanne); grandchildren John, Eileen, William, Connor, Catherine, Spencer, Georgia, Sean and Patrick.
After a funeral mass at IHM, she was buried at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Scarsdale Woman’s Club at 37 Drake Road.
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