Gay Lea Obituary
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Gay's parents, Dr. and Mrs. Henry Woodmansee (Woodie and Clare) moved from Providence to Palm Springs in November of 1945 with Gay's sister Bonnie. Dr. Woodmansee set up his medical practice at that time.
After graduating from Palm Springs High School and the College of the Desert, Gay went on to become a veterinary assistant in one of the local animal hospitals where she worked until retiring. She worked with many of the Movie Colony Stars and their animals along with the local residents.
Gay met her husband John Lea at the Palm Springs Ice rink. They were married on November 9, 1967 and shared their lives with daughter Carolyn Lantz and son Michael Lea.
Gay was introduced to horses by her mother at a very young age and rode all over the desert with the Los Compadres riding group. For a change of scenery Gay rode her horse on many trails in Idyllwild, CA. with her sister Bonnie, where they lived in the summer. Gay and her husband were very active in the Los Compadres as lifelong members, joining weekly social events and activities. Gay loved her horses and animals.
Gay also enjoyed cruising the oceans wide. After she retired, she and John traveled all over the world seeing new places and enjoying cruise life. After John passed, she continued to cruise with her daughter Carolyn making her last voyage a year ago.
Gay is survived by her sister, Bonnie Bonino and daughter, Carolyn Lantz, and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews and loving family members. Gay was predeceased by her husband, John Lea and son, Michael Lea.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 27th at Wiefels Mortuary at 690 S. Vella Rd. Palm Springs at 2:30 pm
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690 South Vella Road, Palm Springs, CA 92264
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