Adelaide Frances Gay

Adelaide (Addie) Gay passed away at the age of 95 due to cancer, 10-30-17. Addie was born April 20, 1922 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, daughter of the late Christina and Lawrence Nees. She was raised in Geistown, PA. During WWII, she worked in Washington, DC as a secretary in the Pentagon and later at the Port of Embarkation in California. She met and married US Air force pilot, the late Francis W. Gay in 1947 (deceased 1974).

She was a founding member of St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Long Beach, CA in the early 50’s and an active member of the St. Margaret’s Guild for many years. She was a full time mother, wife and neighborhood mom for many children and teenagers. Addie was employed in the late 60’s by the Long Beach Unified School District, later by Los Angeles County Probation department, Public Defenders’ office and finally at USC Medical Center where she retired in 1986. After retirement, Addie volunteered with the Interfaith Action For Aging where she visited and cared for many elderly. Early in her retirement years, she traveled to Europe, China, Ireland, and most National Parks. She enjoyed hiking with the Sierra Club and her yearly visits to Asilomar for the Thanksgiving celebration. Addie relished education and attended LBCC senior studies, Lakewood Oasis, and LBSU senior studies programs and attended the current events course for many years. She was active in the Eldorado Library book club.

A ddie is survived by her children: Daniel (Martha) GaRey, Grants Pass, Oregon; Larry (Julio) Alegre, Oakland, CA; Mary Roush, Kauai, HI; Michael (Deborah) Gay, Palmer Lake, CO; Gary (Rebecca) Gay, Silverton, OR; and Jeanne Gay, Stockton CA. She is also survived by her brother Larry Nees of Chico, CA and sister, Evelyn Pyle, of Wilmington, DE. She has 18 nieces and nephews, 6 grand children, 7 great-grand children and many devoted friends. She was predeceased by her sister Betty Rose Adams, her brother-in-law Dalton Pyle, her sister-in-law Olive Gay, her son-in-law, Steven Roush and her sister-in-law, Pat Nees.

Addie thoroughly enjoyed her large family and they enjoyed visiting her at her Long Beach home. Family always came first with her.

A prayer service will be held at Lyben-Dilday Mortuary 4-21-2018, followed by interment at All Souls Cemetery in Long Beach and a Celebration of Life afterwards. Instead of flowers, please donate to Addie’s favorite charity, Covenant House California, Dept 2719, Los Angeles, CA 90084-2719.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401