Mary Louise Gay

October 14, 1935, to July 29, 2024

Mary Louise Gay left this earth on Monday, July 29, 2024, and joined her beloved parents, siblings, husband Earl L. Gay and son George T. Parli in Heaven. At age 88, she passed as she had lived her life; on her own terms, peacefully at home in her own bed, surrounded by people who loved her.

Louise was a remarkably strong and independent woman. Born in Denver, Colorado as Mary Louise Cornell, she was the oldest of 5 children. As a young lady she was on the Colorado State Rifle team and an active member of the Civil Air Patrol. After an early job as a switchboard operator, she met and married Earl Lee Gay, an aircraft pilot and air traffic controller. After the birth of their second child they moved from Denver to King Salmon, Alaska. In this decidedly until the day she died and is deeply loved. Whether she was known as Louise, Mary, Mom, MeeMaw, Grandma or Abuela, she had a loving heart that was open to all.

Louise is survived by six children, James Gay, Michael Gay, Carolyn Myers-Copeland, Stephanie Lewton, Diana Bellina and Steven Gay, her 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

A practicing Roman Catholic, she has left the church militant for the church triumphant. May her memory be eternal.

The date and location of her celebration of life will be announced soon.