Alyce M. Shay

Alyce M. Shay passed away on March 23, 2023 after a brief illness. She was 96 at the time of her passing. 

Alyce was the eldest daughter of Gus and Mae Smith, born July 18, 1926. She grew up in Elkland and graduated from Elkland High School in June of 1944. She went on to pursue a degree as a Dental Hygienist at Temple University. One of her first jobs was as a "traveling Hygienist" for various schools in Alleghany County, New York. As part of this program she stayed with local families while she was cleaning students' teeth at the local school - and it was during an assignment in Canaseraga, NY that she met her future husband, Bonner "Pete" Shay (deceased). They were married in Nov, 1947 and settled into married life in Canaseraga, living on the family farm and raising their five children. Eventually the family moved to Elkland, PA in April, 1964 where they operated Shay's Home & Auto for several years. Alyce also continued working as a Hygienist for some of the area Dentists until she retired. She was a member of Parkhurst Memorial Church, enjoyed reading, getting her hair done, and taking a morning walk for as long as she was able.

She lived a long life in her home in Elkland until late October 2022 when she fell and had since been in a nursing home undergoing physical therapy. She loved her home on Main Street and her wish was to stay there as long as she could which was made possible by her loving daughter Peggy with assistance from sister Louise and her husband Bill, main caregiver Jenny, neighbor and good friend Paula Kohut, neighbor John Porter, the caring MOW organization and many other friends and neighbors. 
Alyce is survived by her five children; Betsy Gleason of Beaufort, SC, Tim (Patti) Shay of Elmira, NY, Mike (Lark) Shay of Donora, Pa, Brian Shay of Corning, NY, and Peggy Shay of Elkland, Pa; as well as her sister, Louise (Bill) Hall of Elkland, Pa. She also leaves behind 5 grandchildren; Carol, Alan, Ryan, Heather, and Tera and their families including 6 great grandchildren; as well as a niece; Paula and nephews; Jeff and Joe and their families. Family will receive friends at Kenyon Funeral Home, 214 W. Main St., Elkland on Friday, May 26th from 1:00 - 2:00 PM.  A memorial service will be held immediately following at 2:00 PM with Pastor Michael Denelsbeck officiating.  Burial will be in Highland Cemetery.

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