Gay Sachse

Gay Davis Sachse passed away peacefully at home on January 4, 2021 at age 87.

She was the daughter of Orien Wright Mountain and Lawrence Davis, stepdaughter of Dr. John Mountain and Nan Norfleet Jallade all originally of Olean, NY. Raised in Manhassett, NY. She was an accomplished athlete at Manhassett High and Skidmore College and enjoyed sailing, diving, lacrosse and field hockey.

She married Louis (Bud) Walger and they moved their young family to Lutherville, MD.

Following a divorce, Gay married Milton Sachse in 1970. They moved their blended family of eight children to Sparks, Md. One could count on a lively conversation around Gay’s fabulous dinner table where there was always room for one more. She was a gracious hostess to all the growing family’s events and kind to all who passed through her home. The family’s annual Christmas party was not to be missed and every new spouse, grandchild or friend received her total attention. The summertime brought everyone to their pool where grandchildren learned to swim and there was always a family dog or two racing around in the mix! It was a hub of constant activity which Gay seamlessly managed with her well known culinary capabilities and positive attitude. Gay was the cause of so much JOY!

Over the years, she was a member of several bridge clubs, bowled in duckpin leagues and had many tennis and golfing partners, all becoming lifelong friends. Gay and Milt sailed the Chesapeake Bay and the Caribbean and traveled extensively. They enjoyed a month in Sanibel Island, FL for 40 winters where there was another ‘family’ of friends. Gay was always knitting, needlepointing or crafting gifts for someone in her spare time.

After moving to Brightwood in Lutherville in 2012 Gay became socially active in her new community, eventually becoming a board member.

Gay is survived by her daughters, Denise McCafferty of Sparks, MD, Jennifer Ertel (Bill) of Towson, MD, Christine Poulsen (Jacob) of Amelia Island, FL and Meredith Coughlin (Ed) of Destin, FL.; her stepchildren, Milton (Mike) Sachse (Denise) of Jackson, NH, Jeanne Tuerk (Carl) of Annapolis, MD, Thomas Sachse (Cathy) of Memphis, TN and James Sachse (Susan) of Timonium, MD.; 14 grandchildren , Don McCafferty, Justin & Scott Larsen, Kaitlan Money (Aaron), Lucian Burke Clower (Anne), Iain Searcy (Alethea), Louis Searcy (Lucy), Kyle Searcy, Curtis Sachse (Katy), Carolyn Kauert (Sasha), Stephanie Tuerk, Stacey Champe (Luke), Michael & Matthew Sachse; and 8 great-grandchildren, Whistler, Halwyn and Magnus Money, Leo Searcy, Orion Searcy, Riley McCormack, Olivia Champe, and Coral Sachse; brothers Charles Davis (Joan) of Wilmington, NC and Stephen Davis (Patty) of Linthicum, MD. She was predeceased by her brother Donald Davis, her husband Milton Sachse and a grandson Ryan Sachse. She is also survived by her longest friend, Dean Thomas of Canton and her dearest companion Andy Thomas of Brightwood. She was well loved by all who met her.

Services will be held virtually, Thursday January 14, 2021, 2 PM at St. John’s Western Run Parrish where she was on the alter guild and sang in the choir. Her remains will rest alongside her husband and parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Etienne’s Church in Haiti C/O St. Johns Western Run Parrish, 3738 Butler Road, Reisterstown, MD 21136.