MADISON - Gay “Gayle" May, age 82, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024. She was born on May 25, 1942, in Evanston, Ill., the daughter of Daniel and Grace Gigstad. Gayle graduated from Niles Township High School, Skokie, Ill., in 1960. She attended Valparaiso University for two years and then transferred to Northern Illinois University where she met her future husband, Keith “Ringer” May. They were married on Aug. 15, 1964, in Lincolnwood, Ill.

While at NIU, she enjoyed her friends as part of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. She graduated with an Education Degree and her first teaching job was kindergarten in Park Forest, Ill. Kindergarten was her favorite. She loved that age and was good at it receiving praise from the school principal. Later, she and Keith moved to Princeton, Ill., and she taught elementary education in the Princeton School District until their first son was born. Soon after they had their second son and she was a stay-at-home mom until her sons entered preschool. She then taught school for many years. Keith’s career brought him to Madison in 1986 and she was then a substitute teacher.

Gayle and Keith enjoyed Badgers sports, especially tailgating with friends at UW football games. They also enjoyed their time as long-time members of Nakoma Golf Club. The highlight of their week was when they spent time with their grandchildren.

Gay is survived by her husband, Keith; children, Greg (Heather) of Edina, Minn., and David (Candace) of Cross Plains; grandson, Evan; and granddaughters, Madelyn and Vivian. Her family was her ultimate joy!

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. Burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002

Gayle "Gay" May

May 25, 1942 - July 27, 2024

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