WESTFIELD – Doris Elizabeth Shay (Iserman) 86 of Westfield, passed away on November 23, 2023 at Baystate Medical Center. Born the daughter of Raymond and Margaret (Molly) Iserman, she was one of 11 children. Doris worked as a waitress at the Phoenix Restaurant in Westfield for over 20 years, after which she became a clerk for the City of Westfield Water Department retiring in At the age of 10 years old (1947), she became a member of Central Baptist Church in Westfield and throughout the years, held many positions (Sunday school teacher, Treasurer, Board of Christian Education member, Deacon, talent show performer and anything else that was asked of her).
The church and its members became her “church family” and she developed several close wonderful friendships and memories which she cherished dearly. Doris loved to read, knit prayer shawls, do puzzles (both jigsaw and crossword), and watch game shows – especially Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy every night! She was hard working, intelligent, proud and dedicated to both her family and her church. She was the foundation and strength of her family and we will immensely miss all those things about her and so much more.
Doris was predeceased by her beloved daughter Peggy in October 2023. She is survived by her daughters Lisa Shay of Westfield and Audrey Ochoa of Virginia; her grandchildren Kevin and Jonathan Shay of Chicopee, Heidi, Justin and Jeremy Shay of Westfield and Keri Rivas of Westfield; 13 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; her siblings David Iserman of Westfield, Linda Jensen and Jean Santiago of Granville, and Joan Canterbury of Nevada; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings Sonny, Dicky, Donnie and Ronnie Iserman, Pat Kellogg and Kathy Johnson.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 1pm at Central Baptist Church in Westfield. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of Doris to Central Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad St. Westfield, MA 01085. www.firtionadams.com
