Nellie T. Hay

Nellie T. Hay, 95, passed away February 5, 2020 at Cayuga Ridge Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Ithaca, N.Y. Nellie was a 1943 graduate of Interlaken Central School. She graduated from Rochester Business Institute a year later and then worked at Cornell University and Kodak for a number of years. Following marriage to Alexander Hay, she and her husband were long-time residents of Westvale and Skaneateles prior to retiring on Seneca Lake. For two decades, she was a secretary for the W.S. Owen Company in Syracuse.

Nellie was a member of the Ithaca Garden Club, the Green Thumb Garden Club, DAR and the Interlaken Reformed Church. She also regularly attended the Ithaca Women❜s Bible Study. Her passion was gardening, and while she had strength, she could often be found starting her day in the garden at 5 a.m. during the summer months. Local residents made a point to drive past her home spring through fall in order to see what Nellie had growing in her garden.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Roger; and her husband. Nellie s is survived by her daughter, Susan; two brothers, Clarence and John; and several nieces and nephews. She will be missed by many who appreciated her persevering spirit.

A memorial service will be held at the Interlaken Reformed Church, 8315 Main Street, Interlaken on Saturday, February 22 at 11:00am, officiated by Rev. David Leonard. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in Nellie❜s memory to: Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL 60187.