I remember Marilou and her brother, John, as fellow U-High students. Although we shared a common last name, we were not related. My memory of Marilou is that of a physically active and very humorous person; very sad to hear of her passing. And if John reads this, I hope he will remember we sat next to each other in the front row of Special English many years ago.

The community has lost a wonderful woman. I share her love for flowers although not quite as knowledgeable as she was. To all the members of the Gay family, my sympathies.

Even to young kids like me rambling through her welcoming home, she was known as Marilou, not Mrs. Gay. She and her husband Richie were icons to the community of young people growing up in Iowa City in the '60s and '70s. They were tireless givers. Their record is long and speaks for itself. My condolences to her family and especially to Tim, my classmate with whom I recently was able to catch up. .

Lived next door to the Gay family during the 60's. I cannot remember a time Mary Lou didn't have a smile on her face and something positive to say. Heaven's gardens will be more fragrant and bountiful this year.