HOPE — Grace (Gay) Bogard died October 31 with her beloved family by her side in Hope, Maine. Gay was born October 10,1936 to parents Grace and Hayden, and brother Pete Soule of East Corinth. Gay was adored from the moment she was born.

Growing up on the family farm, Gay had many animals, played in the brook, and was a member of the 4H club winning many awards. She was a high school athlete, scholar and was the class valedictorian. She attended the University of Maine in Orono and later received her degree from Drexel University.

In 1957, she married Joseph (Joe) Bogard. They raised their three children in Warren. For 25 years Gay taught Home Economics at Union Jr. High and AD Gray in Waldoboro. As the Home Ec. teacher, she taught her students (boys and girls) life skills such as budgeting, writing job applications, hygiene, cooking and sewing. Students were especially proud of receiving a laminated Sewing Machine License which meant they had mastered the skills and could be let loose on the sewing machine. Gay taught between 8-10,000 students during her career at SAD#40.

One student recently wrote to her saying “Mrs. Bogard, I just wanted to send you a message to say thank you for being such a positive influence on my childhood. I can’t tell you how often your name comes up when I’m meeting with old school friends. I still think of all of the lessons I learned from you with great pride. I can’t think of another teacher that had more influence on my life.”

After losing her husband Joe to cancer in 1991, Gay reached out to Ray Gilhooly, who had recently lost his wife (Janet) to cancer offering her condolence. A year later they went on their first date, soon fell in love and married in 1995.  How lucky to fall in love twice!

Antique collecting was her passion. After retiring from teaching, she became a trusted antique dealer and had many friends in the business. Both buyers and sellers appreciated her honesty, kindness and knowledge.

As a friend, no one could compare! She listened to, cared for and cherished her pals. She gave homemade pies to friends, car repairmen, delivery men and anyone who needed one- always asking “what’s your favorite?” and then delivering that exact flavor. Gay was grateful for each and every person who entered her life.

When Gay learned she had pancreatic cancer she spent her final year finding joy every day. She instilled in her family and friends to do the same.

“Gay” is survived by her loving husband Ray.

“Mom” is survived by her beloved children Josh Bogard, Elaine O’Neil (Glenn), and Jennifer Anderson (Doug).

“Gan” is survived by grandsons Hayden, Conor, Fletcher.

“Mimi” is survived by grandson Callum.

“Gay-Gay” is survived by Kym Gilhooly, Kate Gilhooly, Kevin Gilhooly, Kerry Champagne, Kris Gilhooly and grandchildren, Hillary, Becky, Julia, Riley, Shane, and Kristin.

Gay’s children have fond memories of summer days swimming at Ayer Park in Union while their mom snapped beans or shelled peas from the garden. In Gay’s memory, the family would like to place a bench at Ayer Park for others to sit and ponder the beauty of Seven Tree Pond. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gay Bogard Memorial Bench in care of Camden National Bank, Po Box 135, Union, ME 04862

A celebration of Gay’s life will be held in the summer of 2023.

Riposta Funeral Home assisted the family.