Susan “Sue” Bancroft Gay

Date of Death: March 22, 2025

service

Celebration of Life at a later date

memorial

Memorial contributions may be made to
Transitions Hospice Care https://www.transitionslifecare.org/

Susan Bancroft Gay, 83, of Winchester, VA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Winchester Medical Center.

Sue was born in 1941 in Newburgh, NY, and grew up in Weston, MA. She was the beloved daughter of the late Horace and Harriet McGuire. She had a lifelong love of learning, earning her bachelor’s degree from Connecticut College and the University of Vermont. Sue dedicated her career to uplifting others—first through her work with youth sports programs in Montgomery Village, MD, and later by creating senior programs for Montgomery County. After moving to Maine, she devoted herself to social work in low-income housing in Portland. Even in recent years, she remained committed to advocacy, working to improve handicap accessibility.

On September 8, 1962, Sue married Gerald Andrew Gay, Jr., in Wayland, MA. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures until his passing in 2021.

Sue had a warmth that made everyone feel welcome. She was quick to smile, loved a good laugh, and had an incredible gift for making meaningful connections. Her superpower was her curiosity; she had a genuine interest in people, always eager to hear their stories. Her wit and outgoing nature endeared her to many, and she never met a stranger.

Her interests were as varied as they were passionate. She loved history, spirited political discussions, travel, reading, gardening, and interior design. Whether she was exploring a new topic or making her home a beautiful space, Sue brought enthusiasm and creativity to all she did.

She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Melissa Gay Gilkey (Bert); her sons, Adam Burns Gay (Christine Lange) and John Andrew Gay (Christine); and her cherished grandchildren, Ashley and Ryan Gay. Her faithful canine companion, Spot, will feel her absence, as will the many dear friends and relatives whose lives she touched.

In addition to her parents and husband, Sue was preceded in death by her brother, Terry Vance McGuire.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to honor and remember Sue.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a memorial donation to Transitions Hospice Care https://www.transitionslifecare.org/

Clare

Sheila Tenke

Light a candle

Celebration of Life at a later date

Memorial contributions may be made to
Transitions Hospice Care https://www.transitionslifecare.org/

Susan Bancroft Gay, 83, of Winchester, VA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Winchester Medical Center. Sue was born in 1941 in Newburgh, NY, and grew up in Weston, MA. She was the beloved daughter of the late Horace and Harriet McGuire. She had a lifelong love of learning, earning her bachelor’sContinue Reading

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Sue was a fellow worker, a beauty, a joker, a confidant and my friend. We were the same age (old) and reminisced about the world we lived in. We saw each other only occasionally after we left our work, a mistake as always. Wherever you are my friend save room for me. I might need a good word from you.

Sue was one of a kind. I worked with her for several yeas in Maine while she was a Resident Service Coordinator. We had so many laughs and really great, in depth conversations. I remember how happy she was when she bought her VW sunflower bug. She had endless energy and always was giving, giving, giving. Loved her dearly. 💜

Sue was a fantastic person to know- worked with her in a past life (retail) and she was always such a bright positive person. She had a talent for reading and understanding people right away. She will be missed

John and Gamily, Sending the Gay family love in the loss of your beloved Mom. Hoping you find peace in the wonderful memories that will be with you for a lifetime. In Sympathy, Sheila Tenke

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.