Obituary of Margaret Mary Shay

Margaret Mary Shay, 100, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Born on August 22, 1925, to the late Ernest and Mildred Simons, Margaret grew up in Lakewood, New Jersey, and graduated from Lakewood High School in 1943.

In 1946, she married the love of her life, Charles Shay, with whom she shared many cherished years until his passing in 1981. Together, they raised their two children, Linda and the late Ronald Shay, first in Lakewood and later in Belvidere, New Jersey.

For more than 20 years, Margaret worked as a bookkeeper for the Belvidere A&P Grocer. She was a woman of deep Christian faith and a devoted longtime member of the Assembly of God Church—now known as Faith Discovery Church—where she served faithfully for over 45 years, most notably through her dedicated work in the food pantry.

Margaret’s greatest joy was her family. A loving wife, mother, and matriarch, she treasured her time at home and delighted in every opportunity to be surrounded by those she loved. Over the years, she was blessed to become a grandmother five times, a great-grandmother nine times, a great-great-grandmother twelve times, and a great-great-great-grandmother six times.

She is survived by her daughter Linda Shay; grandchildren Cherinee Shay, Rhonda Jordan, Pamela Kitchen, and Patricia Tefteller; nine great-grandchildren; twelve great-great-grandchildren; and six great-great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Charles, her brother Ronald Shay, her grandson Brian Kitchen, her son Ronald Shay, and her parents, Mildred and Ernest Simons.

In accordance with Margaret's wishes, a private cremation is being held, with a memorial service to be announced at a later date.