Obituary of Marion E. Hay

Marion Eleanor Hay Obituary

It is with great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude that we announce the passing of our wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sis, and dear friend: Marion Eleanor Hay on November, 30th 2023. She returned to God peacefully at home with her husband by her side.

Marion was born on April 13, 1943 in the town of Hulmeville, PA. Her move to New Jersey brought her education from Rider University and her beloved husband of 60 years, Donald Maurice Hay.

Together, in Columbus, NJ, Marion and Don raised 4 daughters and shared the passing of a 5th daughter. They lived in homes built and decorated with their own hands. They taught their daughters to grow their own food, care for a variety of animals, the meaning of conservation and sharing, the foundational ideals of family, and the bonds of loyalty.

Marion worked full-time as Deputy Clerk for the Township of Mansfield until she retired. She has always been active with her church, Columbus Methodist, but she dedicated much of her time and energy after retirement to church administrative tasks and to the choir. Her faith in God was unyielding as was her church family.

Within her community, she devoted her energy and leadership skills to the Garden Club and the Homeowner’s Association. Her fondness for books, conversation, gardening, swimming, sewing, baking, and traveling kept her mind and body nourished. Like a mermaid, the ocean was her sanctuary, and she passed on her love for the water and the outdoors to her family.

Most notably, Marion was known for her warm and inviting smile and personality. In fact, she was nicknamed “Susie Sunshine” by those closest to her. Her compassion and love for every person she met was unforgettable. Though she lived with blood cancer for 20 years, her own needs never took the forefront. She gave rather than received. She was grateful to Dr. Seth Berk and his team for the excellent medical care and empathy they provided for over 20 years.

Marion is survived by Don Hay, her sister Bobbi Sloan and her favorite brother-in-law Eric Sloan, her 4 daughters and their families: Cathy and Colin Johnson, Kyle Johnson and his fiance Jess Ball, Lauren Johnson, Barbara and Ron Carty, Katie and Kevin Panacek, and their children Carter Panacek & Henry Panacek, Clint Carty and his children Parker Carty and Collier Carty.
Laura and David Archer, Hunter Archer, Haylei Archer, Marion and Marc Friedman, Devin Mullen, Mitchell Mullen, Kelli Friedman, Ryan Friedman. Lastly, her four-legged bestie, Mariah, provided her comfort and joy each day they were together.

At the gates of heaven, she was met by her daughter Rebecca Lynne Hay, her brother Glenn Seymour, her mother Gladys Seymour, and Becky, her first four-legged bestie. She is now in their loving arms.

See U Later Miss Ellie L-U-
 
❖    Greeting line will be hosted on December 16th, 2023 from 10am-12pm at the Wesley United Methodist Church located at 24573 East Main Street in Columbus, N.J. 08022.
❖    Church services will follow at 12pm, led by Pastor Neill Tolboom.
❖    Immediately following the church service, light lunch and memorable stories will be shared at The Grange Hall 102 Atlantic Ave. Columbus, N.J. 08022

Burial will be private for the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be made in honor of Marion to the Wesley United Methodist Church, 24573 East Main St.,Columbus NJ 08022 or to MeMaws fund through Mansfield Veterinary Hospital, info@mansfieldvh.com 3075 Route 206 S., Columbus NJ 08022