Word has been received of the death of Merrie Barbara Bennett Gay, a lifelong resident of Springs, on July 15 at the Kanas Center for Hospice Care in Quiogue. She was 63 and had been ill with cancer for two years.
Ms. Gay, who worked as a caretaker for the elderly and enjoyed baking, was born in Southampton on April 23, 1958, to Melvin Bennett and the former Mary Sadouski. She graduated from East Hampton High School in 1976.
About 40 years ago, she married David Gay Sr. He survives, as do their children, Stacy Gay of Hampton Bays and David Gay Jr. of Florida. She loved spending time with her four grandchildren, who also survive. She leaves a sister, Joyce Klein of Springs. A brother, Melvin Bennett Jr., also of Springs, died before her.
Friends remember Ms. Gay as a kind, friendly, and talkative person who had a lovely singing voice and was proud of her family’s deep Bonacker heritage.
Ms. Gay was cremated. Memorial donations have been suggested to East End Hospice, online at eeh.org.