Spencer, MA-Marilyn K. (Gay) Gaudette, 79, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, April 18, 2026. She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, John P. Gaudette; her daughter, Katherine “Kaye” Spence and her husband, Robert, of Spencer; and her son, John “Jay” P. Gaudette Jr. and his wife, Nancy, of Peachtree City, Georgia. She also leaves five cherished grandchildren, Jason Gaudette, Jennifer Daniell, Trevor Spence, Jacob Spence, and Malorie Spence and her fiancé, Bryce Gosselin; as well as three great-grandchildren. Marilyn is also lovingly remembered by her cherished cat, Harry. She was predeceased by her son, Derek John Gaudette in 1994, and her brother, Howard Gay in 2009.

Born on April 10, 1947, at Mary Lane Hospital in Ware, Marilyn was the daughter of the late Winthrop B. Gay and Katherine (Sheldon) Gay of West Brookfield. She was a 1965 graduate of North Brookfield High School. Marilyn dedicated many years to continuing her father’s legacy as publisher of the Wick-Qua-Boag Weekly and later served as editor of the Spencer New Leader. In 1994, she and her husband relocated to Georgia, where she worked as an executive assistant at DHL for nearly 25 years. Following her retirement in 2018, they returned to Spencer. Marilyn found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She had a deep love for cats, a fondness for collecting old dolls, and enjoyed gardening, cooking, and researching her family genealogy. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Second Chance Animal Shelter, 111 Young Road, P.O. Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515 or at: www.secondchanceanimals.org/donate

There are no calling hours. Burial will be private at the request of the family.