Gene B. Gay

Gene Bliss Gay, 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, November 24, 2024 following a brief illness at UW Hospital East. She was born on May 22, 1929 in Sigourney, Iowa and spent her life as a passionate scholar, devoted Mother and loving Grandmother.

Gene moved to Madison with her family as a teenager and attended West High School. She subsequently earned both a Bachelor's and Master’s degree in American Institutions from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she developed a lifelong love for education and the history of the United States. Her intellectual curiosity and commitment to learning inspired many, both in her academic pursuits and in her personal life. She was also was an accomplished violinist and enjoyed gardening, reading and travel.

 Following college and her marriage to Donald Gay, Gene moved to La Crosse. The couple subsequently returned to Madison in 1968 where they resided on the West side.

 Gene was predeceased by her husband, Donald, a son Donald David Gay, Jr., her parents, Ina Bliss and Frank Bliss, a brother, Kert Bliss and niece, Lynn Bliss Replinger. She is survived by her son, Richard Bliss (Grainne Gardiner Bliss) of Manitowish Waters, WI, three grandchildren, Michael Bliss of Los Angeles, CA, Jena Bliss of Milwaukee, WI, and Liam Bliss of Manitowish Waters, WI and a niece Gail Bliss of Madison, WI.

 Her memory will live on in the in the hearts of her family, friends and all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask you to consider a contribution to the Fibromuscular Dysplasia Society of America (FMDSA) at https://www.fmdsa.org/ donation-form/.

 Gene’s life will be celebrated at a visitation to be held Friday, December 27 from 2-4pm at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, WI