Memorial

Loved by all who knew her, Gay Ann Carpenter (65) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away Sunday, March 24, 2019 after a courageous fight with cancer.  A funeral service will be held Friday, March 29, 2019 at 11am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Hiawatha, Iowa.  Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5-8pm at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home.  A private burial service will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Gay Ann Fish was born February 23, 1954 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Harold and Agnes Delores (Newkirk) Fish.  She married Brad Carpenter on June 25, 1977 in Marion, Iowa.  Gay graduated from Jefferson High School and after working in the dental field for several years obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and also her MBA from St. Ambrose University.  After a long career at Rockwell Collins, Gay retired and enjoyed winters in Marco Island, FL.

Left to cherish her memories are her devoted husband Brad who faithfully cared for her in the last few months, her 2 daughters Jill (Kip) Smith and Jacy (Wade) Buck; 4 granddaughters Cherokee, Paige, Ally, and Ava; 3 brothers Barry, Brad, and Bart (Tammy), her cat Misty and grand dogs Rita and Lulu.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Gina.

Nothing gave Gay greater joy than the time she spent with her family, specifically the special dates with each of her granddaughters on dinners out, coffee dates, family vacations and gifting matching Christmas jammies.  In addition to her cherished times with family, Gay was involved in many social activities including a Bunko group, multiple book clubs, Mahjong, PEO Sisters and Cedar Rapids Rotary Club.  Gay will be remembered as a graceful hostess who enjoyed entertaining and sharing her special desserts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Mayo Clinic Cancer Research in Rochester, MN.