Gay Nilson (Scherk), a forty year resident of Pound Ridge, New York died on August 23rd, 2015. She was 80 years old. Gay was born in Berlin, Germany to Dr. Gerhard Scherk and his wife Elisabeth. Her parents came to the United States when Gay was one year old and lived in Queens, New York. Dr. Scherk was an internist affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital in NY. Her parents bought a summer cottage in Pound Ridge which ultimately expanded and became the Nilson home. Gay graduated from Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY with a B.A. In the 1960’s she was employed by McMillan Publishing in New York City. She rose through the ranks and became Director of Subsidiary Rights. While at McMillan she met many aspiring authors, politicians and celebrity authors. Several years after her retirement from publishing, and while raising her young son, Gay worked at Darien High School in the Administration Office. She retired again to pursue her passions for gardening and rug hooking. She had a special love for animals as well as people. Her English Setters were her companions for many years. Gay was a great communicator who always kept in touch with friends near and far. She was a loyal and giving friend, as well as a devoted wife and mother. She loved her home and her garden, which was planted with many species of shade loving plants and multi-colored hydrangeas. Over the years she graciously hosted numerous gatherings, always with panache and home cooked gourmet foods. Her favorite travel destinations included Maine and Nantucket. For several years Gay volunteered for one of her favorite charities, Friends of Karen. Gay is survived by her loving husband Alvin, of forty nine years, her beloved son Scott, and daughter in law Megan Dudley who resides in Fort Collins, CO. Her adoring grandson, Henrik (Henry) (4), was the answer to her prayers who filled her with pride and joy. She also leaves behind a cousin, Susie Podgurski of Maryland. Friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Thursday, August 27th, 1:00 pm at The Pound Ridge Community Church, 3 Pound Ridge Rd, Pound Ridge, NY, with burial at the Pound Ridge Cemetery. A reception at Conant Hall will follow at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gay’s name may be made to Friends of Karen – www.friendsofkaren.org/make-a-donation or Make-a-Wish Foundation-www.wish.org. The family is deeply indebted to the Pound Ridge Police Department, the Pound Ridge Ambulance Corps, the Pound Ridge Fire Department, and the Vista Fire Department for their dependable and professional care.