Marcia Mary Gay
Marcia Mary Gay, 72, of Alpena, passed away peacefully Sunday, February 4, 2024 at Turning Brook of Alpena. She was a kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend that will be dearly missed by many. Marcia was born March 4, 1951 in Rogers City to the late Theodore and Vivian (Sytek) Krawczak. She was the youngest of four girls and was raised in Posen. On February 20, 1971 Marcia joined hands in marriage to Charles Nowak. They lived in Rogers City where they raised their children until moving to Alpena in 1991. In 1988 Marcia sponsored a foreign exchange student from Switzerland and she remained part of their life to this day.
Marcia worked for Alpena Internal Medicine Clinic for 39 years until her retirement. She made many lifelong friends there. On April 15, 2000 Marcia married Paul Gay at Word of Life Church in Alpena. They were married for over 10 years until Paul preceded her in death in 2011.
Throughout her life, there were many things that Marcia enjoyed such as her dogs, a beautiful sunset, going camping when her kids were young and family trips. Marcia truly lived life to the fullest, and had a sense of adventure. She had an uncanny ability to connect with people and enjoyed spending time getting to know new and old friends. Above all else, Marcia loved her children and grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to express her love for them and always put them before anything else. Her children take comfort in knowing that all of her beautiful memories have returned to her in passing. She was also a member of Huron Shores Fellowship where she was often found singing in the choir. Marcia loved to travel with her most memorable trips being Europe, Haiti and Africa. She also enjoyed visiting her sister and brot
Marcia is survived by her three children, Josh (Lindsay) Nowak, Greta (Jeremy) Ryan and Nicholas (Natalie) Nowak; four grandchildren, Gavin and Olivia Ryan, and Marina and Finley Nowak; a sister, Lana (Dr. Thomas) Gilbertson; a goddaughter and niece, Sari (Todd) Forton; her “swiss daughter,” Martina (Roman) Sigrist-Battig; many nieces and nephews; and brothers-in-law, Dennis Lewandowski and David (Nell) Klien. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; a daughter, Nicole Nowak; and sisters, Sharon Lewandowski and Bonnie Klien.
A memorial visitation will take place at Huron Shores Fellowship Saturday, February 24, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at noon with the Rev. Warren Hoffman officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan or Alzheimer’s Association. Karpus Hunter & Ross Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be registered at www.karpushuntercares.com.