Gay B. Miazga, 91, of Rhinelander, died Feb. 15, 2012 at Grace Lodge Assisted Living surrounded by her loving children. She was born April 10, 1920 to Joseph and Polly (Pospychala) O’Malley in Rhinelander. She attended St. Mary’s Grade School in Rhinelander and graduated from Rhinelander High School. After graduation she worked at Rhinelander Office Supply where she met her future husband Joe. They were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on February 5, 1949.

Gay spent her entire life volunteering for local organizations. She was involved with the development of Camp Birchrock and the establishment of the Camp Fire Girls organization locally. She was involved in the Meals on Wheels program and was a volunteer with the Hospital Auxiliary. She was honored by the Rhinelander Rotary Club with a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of her years of volunteering for these and other groups locally. She and her husband, Joe, were members of the Rhinelander Country Club for nearly 60 years, where she was involved in the Women’s Club functions.

Gay was one who had mastered the art of conversation – she always had something to talk about. She was an artistic person, and expressed her talent in sewing, knitting, gardening and painting. She also enjoyed cooking and was a great entertainer. She and Joe also enjoyed traveling over the years with their many close friends. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her joy.

Gay is survived by her three children, Steve (Jenny) Miazga of Pewaukee, Nancy (Craig) Sinard of Plymouth, MN and Jane (Dick) Andrey of Aiken, SC; grandchildren Drew, Adam and Alex Miazga, Max, Mackenzie and Joey Sinard, and Taryn Andrey; and great grandchildren Logan Sinard, and Reese, Keegan and Alister Miazga and her sister Kathleen Vickman of Hopkins, Minn. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Joe and a brother, Tom O’Malley.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m., at Nativity of Our Lord Parish – St. Mary’s site, with Father Tom Thakadipuram officiating. Inurnment will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday at church starting at 9 a.m. until the time of mass. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial has been established in Gay’s name at Nativity of Our Lord School for their art program. A special thanks to the staff at Grace Lodge and Ministry Hospice for embracing Gay into their family.

(Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home)