Cynthia Beck Gay, 84, of Franklin died peacefully in her sleep on October 12, 2014 at The Hermitage in Dillsboro, following a period of declining health.

A resident of Macon County since 1983, she had been active in St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church and the Macon County Historical Society for many years. She loved animals and supported humane treatment and adoption organizations both locally and nationally.

Born in Springfield, MA, she received a Bachelor of Science degree from Nasson College and a Master’s Degree in Education from Boston University. She was an associate professor of home economics and in charge of food services at Nasson College until she retired in 1966. She loved to cook and collected cookbooks from all over the world. She was an avid knitter, quilter, gardener and bird watcher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Linnea Beck; her sister, Norma Shields; her husband of 33 years, Roger; and her two beloved dogs, Lucky and Misty. She is survived by a step-daughter, Nancy Cottrell and her husband, Gene, of Otto; a step-son, Peter Gay and his wife Cathi of Spring Hill, FL; a sister, Charlotte Jones of Burlington, MA; her brother-in-law George Shields of West Warren, MA; four nieces, three nephews, three step-granddaughters and a step-great grandson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 18, at St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church. Burial will be in the St. Cyprian’s Cemetery. Rev. Dorrie Pratt will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church, 84 Church Street, Franklin, NC 28734 or the Appalachian Animal Rescue Center, 851 Lake Emory Road, Franklin, NC 28734.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com