Gay (Fontanazza) Sanderson of Hartford, CT passed away on April 12, 2017 at Maple View Manor in Rocky Hill. Gay was born on January 3, 1940 in Calascibetta, Sicily, daughter of the late Eduardo and Rosaria (Ferraro) Fontanazza. At the age of 16 she immigrated to the United States with her family, settling in Hartford. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Hartford. Gay began a career in construction as office manager with McKeown Drywall , then built her own company U.S. Drywall, Inc. in East Hartford, which she operated for 35 years until her retirement. In addition to running her business Gay was a devoted member of several associations related to her career. Most notably she was a member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) since 1978. Over the years she served NAWIC in many capacities including several chapter positions including President and Treasurer, and as chairman of numerous committees on a chapter and national level. She received the Woman of the year award and was very active in scholarship fundraising drives. Gay was also a long-time member of the Home Builders Association of CT, the American Society for Professional Estimators and the Wethersfield Country Club. Gay is survived by her sister Adele Fontanazza of Hartford and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Carl Fontanazza and Mario Fontanazza. The funeral service will begin 11:00 AM, on Tuesday, April 18, at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home 1276 Berlin Turnpike, Wethersfield. The family will receive relatives and friends prior to the service from 9:30-11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Contributions in her memory may be made to Shriner's Hospitals for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104-2396. Please visit www.dillonbaxter.com to share a memory with the family.