Mary Lou Shay

Mary Lou Shay passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at the age of 91. She was born in Detroit on August 14, 1931, to the late Earl and Helen (Kleder) Tway. She moved to Saginaw at an early age. She worked as a secretary for the C&O Railroad and for the VA Hospital prior to and during the early part of her marriage. On October 15, 1955, she married Donald Shay. Together, they co-owned and managed the Shay Water Company. He preceded her in death in December of 1994. She was dedicated to her faith, her marriage and her family. She was a thoughtful friend; a good listener and she gave excellent advice. All who knew her loved her. She was an amazing role model especially in regard to marriage and the love she showed to her family and friends. She enjoyed her church choir, camping and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved having her grandchildren overnight and playing cards and games with them. She made every holiday special and was known for her homemade pumpkin pies and city chicken. No family gathering was complete without her Scotcheroos. Her struggle with memory loss was handled with bravery and grace. She was a sweet, gentle, wonderful human being and will be missed by so many. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Shay; son, David; daughters-in-law, Nan Shay and Suellen Shay; great grandson, Dane Shay; granddaughter-in-law, Johanna Shay; brothers, Alvin “Jim” Tway, William Tway and Earl (Shirley) Tway; sisters, Jean Tway and Patricia (Robert) Fettig; and by many extended family and friends. Surviving are five sons and three daughters and their spouses: Jim (Marie) Shay, Don Shay, Ellen (Jim) Sager, Kevin (Kelly) Shay, Lisa (Phil) Loesel, Brian (Suzan) Shay, Pat (Stephanie) Shay, and Melissa (John) LeRoux. Surviving also are many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Sue Tway; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fischer Family Funeral Home, 504 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw, MI 48602. Visitation will continue Wednesday, June 28, from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m., at St. John Paul II, site of St. Josaphat Catholic Church, 469 Shattuck Rd., Saginaw, MI 48604 Memorials in honor of Mary Lou may be made to St. John Paul II, 479 Shattuck Rd., Saginaw, MI 48604, or directly to the family so they can give a specific donation to the Saginaw Children’s Zoo. For information, please call Fischer Family Funeral Services at (989) 755-8277. To express your condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com.

Mary Lou Shay

August 14, 1931 - June 21, 2023