Phoebe Elizabeth (Reese) Hays' Obituary
PHOEBE ELIZABETH (REESE) HAYS 1926-2016 Phoebe Elizabeth (Reese) Hays, 90, passed peacefully in her sleep Friday, Sept. 30, 2016, at Miller Kenric Manor in Donora, Pa. Best known as “Mumal” by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, Phoebe was born June 5, 1926, in Pittsburgh to parents Charles and Alice Reese. She had four siblings and later gained two half-siblings when Alice was widowed then married her second husband, James Metzger. Phoebe dropped out of school in 11th grade to assume more family responsibilities, and at 19, she married her childhood sweetheart, whom she had been “dating” since she was 12 and he was 14. Phoebe married Henry Albert Hays when “he returned from World War II with a Purple Heart, a Silver Star and a Bronze Star,” she would proudly say. The couple birthed two daughters in their home in Baldwin Borough – Phoebe hated hospitals – and they spent their entire lives in Pittsburgh. Phoebe stayed home with their children, while Henry worked at the Bank of Brentwood, Triangle News and finally retired from Mayview State Hospital. Phoebe and Henry stayed united in marriage – for 61 years – until death did they part, when Henry passed first, at 81, in December 2005. Phoebe’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren will remember her most fondly for her: crocheting; Bingo addiction; love of Elvis, crossword puzzles and root beer floats; and passion for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Phoebe was preceded in death by siblings, Charles Jr. (who was killed in World War II when he was 18), Katherine, Dorothy and Laverne; and her half-brother, James Jr. Phoebe is survived by her half-sister Patricia of Carnegie, daughter, Judith Ann Sims of Glenshaw, former son-in-law Raymond F. Dougherty of Coraopolis, and daughter Debra Harriet (Philip) Ross of Monongahela. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Lt Col Michele Renee Papakie of Brush Valley, Michael Raymond (Dana) Dougherty of Texas, Matthew Robert (Keisha) McCormick of Texas, Melinda Rae Lauderbaugh of McDonald, Mark Raymond (fiancée Holly Kirchner) McCormick of Whitehall, and Nicole Dennell Varrenti of Franklin Park; eleven great-grandchildren, Staff Sgt. Derek James Papakie, Chelsee L. McCormick, Savannah H. McCormick, Taylor M. McCormick, Melanie Ann Valenza, Cameron Michael Dougherty, Makenna G. McCormick, Alyssa V. McCormick, Peyton Grace Varrenti, Avery Jayne Varrenti and Logan James Lauderbaugh; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements have been entrusted to Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15236. Online condolences: www.jeffersonmemorial.biz
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