Gay Rich
July 2, 1963 – July 28, 2018
Gay was born on July 2, 1963 and went to the Lord on July 28, 2018. She is survived by her spouse, Ann M. Cannon; siblings: Lou Anne Medlock Guy (“Sammy”) and Robin Rich; brothers-in-law: Kevin P. Cannon, Robert T. Cannon (Linda), Lawrence P. Cannon (Trudy); sisters-in-law, Mary Albrecht (Murray) and Sue Pflug (John); more than 25 nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; mother-in-law, Jane B. Cannon. She was preceded in death by parents, Robert and Lou Ellen Rich; father-in-law, John “Jack” L. Cannon; half-brother, Samuel Williams.
“Though she be but little, she is fierce!” – Shakespeare
From the moment she was born in Demorest, Georgia until her last breath, this is how Gay Rich lived her life. She exhibited a rare combination of grace, dignity, focus, tenacity and southern charm. Her class, her deep and genuinely loving nature, and her kindness toward others, gave her a rare and unforgettable presence. All 5’1” of her, always gave unselfishly of herself to others – her spouse, family, friends, coworkers, and clients.
A loving partner, a sister, an aunt, a godmother, a successful FDR executive, a faithful friend to many, a mama to five dogs and one cat, a Creighton Blue Jay Basketball fan extraordinaire, a world traveler and a southern girl at heart – this was our Gay Rich. She led a full and meaningful life and was deeply loved and respected by so many people from all walks of life.
Gay was wise before her time, serious and reflective. Conversely, she was funny, sarcastic and swore like a sailor if it came to one of her beloved sport teams (Georgia Bull Dogs, Atlanta Braves, and Creighton Blue Jays). She loved the Lord and knew she was going home to Him, her fur babies, and the many loved ones who preceded her in death. She will forever be Ann’s Guardian Angel and True North Star.
The example Gay gave all of us on how to live life and how to exemplify God’s love must never be forgotten. She left us a gift far richer than gold.
GayBird – take our love and peace. Be free and fly.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE: Wednesday, August 1st at 7pm at the West Center Chapel, with family receiving friends from 5pm to 7pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, August 2nd at 10:30am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 6905 Blondo. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Nebraska Humane Society.
9 Comments
From time to time in my business interactions with Gay she would remind me “that was not the spirit of our agreement,” and she was right. She reminded me that life is not always about the terms and conditions, but rather the intentions. Gay embodied the best kind of intent…positive intent. I loved her style and effortless way she engaged others and, when talking to her, you could feel she always represented the best of intentions (something this world needs so much more of). She will be missed by many but she will live on as we all strive to emulate a piece of Gay into who we are. My deepest sympathies to all of Gay’s family and loved ones who knew her best. Go with God Gay.
Thank you for such kind and true words of my late wife. She was a class act And cared as much, if not more, about our customers side of the contract and their benefit as FDR’s
May Gay rest in peace and may you all find her in unexpected moments, as memories of her keep Gay alive in your hearts.
I appreciate Gay’s leadership and mentoring when I worked at First Data. She was an advocate for the client but she protected her people and First Data’s interests too. She always appreciated it when you went the extra mile and never failed to thank you for it. I regret that I will be traveling and won’t be able to attend the services. Phil Dalton
My thoughts and prayers go out to Gay’s family and friends. I have worked with her at First Data for many years and although our paths did not cross daily, I will never forget her commitment to First Data, her clients, and her employees. It was a pleasure to know Gay and she always was a breath of fresh air.
May Gay rest in heavenly peace and may the loving memories of her guide those who love and miss her. Fondness, Blessings, Thought and Prayers.
Carrie Quinn
In life, we meet thousands of people but only a few leave a lasting, positive imprint on us. Gay made that list for me. I didn’t work with her often, but every time I did she always took time for “me”. She wanted to know how I was, what was going on in my life. It sounds like nothing but to me, well, it meant the world. My loving thoughts and prayers are with all of Gays family and friends.
Gay impacted so many lives in such wonderful ways. Having worked at First Data, I always respected and appreciated Gay’s calm demeanor and selfless way about her. I also have had the pleasure over the years seeing the pure love and dedication she and Ann have to each other and to their friends and family. Gay is a very dear friend of my sister and brother-in-law and I can only wish that everyone has a friend in their life like Gay. Words cannot express how deeply she will be missed by all that knew her. Thank you Gay for the impact you’ve had on so many. Peace and love to you and to all who had the pleasure of knowing you.
It’s difficult processing the death of someone who was significant in your life. Having worked for Gay for several years, she was influential in my life and its course. As a leader/boss, she was extremely effective because I knew I could trust her, she “had my back”, and she set me up for success. She was smart, dryly funny, full of quiet dignity. I very much enjoyed working for her and knowing her — and I learned from her. Her loss is felt, and it is felt so much more by her family and closest friends. My heartfelt and loving prayers go with you all.
Jeff Wilson
I met Gay a few years back trough work at First Data and had the fortune to travel with her a couple of times. Her warmth and strength immediately won me over. While she sought to learn from others to solve a problem or seize an opportunity, you found yourself learning from her so much more… Wise, witty, grounded and charming all at once. I loved the way she talked, her voice imprinted in my memory to enjoy. Lucky us who got to know her, even if only a little.
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