Grace (Gay) Louise Hyson, 77 of Somerville, Massachusetts died on December 26, 2025. She was born on March 27, 1948 in Orange, New Jersey to Jessie Leslie Herrick Hyson and Charles Howe Hyson of Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. She graduated from Mountain Lakes High School in 1966.  In 1970 she graduated from Tufts University with a BA degree with majors in sociology and art history.   Upon graduation she began working for the Medford Massachusetts Public Library where she worked until retiring in 2013.  She loved inspiring kids to enjoy reading and served as the young adult librarian.  While working there she earned a Masters in Library Science (MLS) degree from Simmons University. 

After retiring, Gay continued her love for libraries by volunteering at the Somerville Central Library.  She also volunteered at the Boston Historical Society and Museum and the New England Historical Genealogy Society.  Gay has done extensive research on the Hyson and Herrick families.  She served as a docent in the Somerville Historical Society.  Many people will know her from her many years servicing as a poll worker on election day in Somerville.  She was an avid reader and enjoyed the outdoors being active in the Fells area. 

She is survived by her brother James and his wife Linda of Mountain Lakes, NJ; her niece Carolyn Hyson and her husband Matt Badanes and their children Cecilia Badanes and Josh Badanes all of Denver, Colorado; sister in laws Barbara Goula of Auburn, Alabama and Donna Cramond and her husband Jim of Monroe, Connecticut.

There will be a private family burial service at the Somerset Hills Memorial Park, Basking Ridge, NJ. Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Somerville Public Library, West Branch, 40 College Ave, West Somerville, MA 02144 or the Somerville Museum, 1 Westwood Road, Somerville, Ma 02143.