Nancy "Gay" Townsend

CASHIERS - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nancy Gay Holmes Townsend, 91, who departed peacefully Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, at Elizabeth House in Flat Rock. She was surrounded by the loving presence of her two daughters.
Gay was the daughter of the late Elizabeth Bridges Holmes and Herbert Holmes, and was preceded in death by her beloved husband, of 53 years, Joseph Benjamin Townsend; siblings, Alice McKean and Phillis Willis of Sarasota, Florida and Herbert U. Holmes of Barrington, Rhode Island.
She is survived by her daughters, Debi Townsend (C.W.) Stewart and Beth Townsend (partner Manuel DeJuan) of Cashiers; grandson, Townsend R. Stewart; and grand dogs, Elphaba Stewart and Jolene Townsend who were with her and her daughters when Gay passed.
Born in West Hartford, Connecticut, Gay moved with her family to Sarasota in the 1940s when she was 12 years old. She graduated from Sarasota High School, then attended Katherine Gibbs secretarial school, later utilizing her skills as a legal secretary for one of Sarasota's earliest and finest law firms. It was during this chapter in her life that she met and married Joe who was a cattle rancher and real estate investor/developer.
Gay was interested in politics and charitable causes, becoming one of the founding members of the Junior (Welfare) League of Sarasota. During the girls' school years, Gay's time was primarily spent as a homemaker and community volunteer. She enjoyed boating with the family, travelling with the girls to tennis tournaments and sewing (but not cooking!).
After Debi and Beth "flew the coop," in 1977 Gay and her friend Paulette Crabtree co-founded Sashay Around, a women's fine clothing boutique in Cashiers. They later opened a second store on St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, Florida. Gay and Joe eventually bought out her partner and consolidated their efforts into the NC shop, which remains family-owned and thrives today as the oldest continually running retail business in Cashiers.
Gay remained very active in the shop, frequently attending the apparel mart and checking in on daily activities. In her later years her hobbies included reading and bridge, and she "took up" tennis, as did Joe. Although she lost her loving husband in 2008, Gay cherished her friends from Cedar Creek (Racquet) Club, High Hampton and Sarasota and she continued to thrive.
She enjoyed a busy life alongside both daughters, who are grateful to have such a "willing to join in" Mom. She embraced all sorts of fun, which kept her young and engaged in life. Gay's profound love of animals and nature is a strong part of her enduring legacy.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the team at Four Seasons Elizabeth House hospice care, they are indeed earthly angels.
A private service will be held for Gay in Sarasota, Florida where she will be buried next to Joe. In lieu of flowers, please continue to support your favorite charity, or if you wish to specifically honor her, the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society and Summit Charter School Foundation both carried a special place in her heart.