Marcia M. Okerlund

Dear friends,

 

     With heavy hearts, we share that our precious mom, Marcia M. Hayward Okerlund, born September 29, 1939, went home to be with the Lord on January 10, 2026.

     As we grieve, we find ourselves reflecting on the life she lived; a life marked by quiet strength, enduring love, and remarkable resilience. Mom’s deep faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was the foundation that steadied her through every season of life. It shaped how she loved, how she served, and how she persevered. Her steady presence, unwavering devotion to family, and extraordinary compassion for animals will leave a lasting impression on all who knew her.

     Mom often spoke fondly of her childhood growing up on a farm, sharing treasured stories of those early years and the animals she loved so deeply. It was there that her lifelong calling to care for animals took root, a calling she faithfully carried throughout her life. Known lovingly in the community as “The Dog Lady,” there was rarely a stray she wouldn’t stop for. Growing up with her meant sharing the house with a raccoon, opossum, squirrel, and birds, all of whom seemed to think Mom belonged to them as much as they belonged to her.

     Mom lived a life defined by service, compassion, and action. In the early years of her marriage, she and Dad served as foster parents, opening their home and hearts to children in need. She served her community in many ways—as a respiratory therapist, a bus driver (including proudly driving for the Mayville Mystics), as a volunteer EMT with the Hartfield Fire Department, and as a driver of The Love Run, providing cancer patients with transportation to their appointments. 

     Her heart for service was especially evident in her many years volunteering with Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue (NCCR), where she served as both Director and board member. Her leadership and tireless advocacy helped build NCCR into a place of safety and hope for countless animals. A powerful advocate for dogs, she saved many over the years by bringing them into her own home or ensuring they found loving homes of their own. Her life reminds us that service, given freely, leaves a lasting legacy.

     Mom had a delightful sense of humor, a strong competitive streak (especially when it came to a game of Skip-Bo), and a gift for writing. One of her recent accomplishments was contributing to the book Whiskers, Wags, and Woofs: Poems and Heartfelt Essays for Dog and Cat Lovers.

     She was a longtime member of Dewittville United Methodist Church, where her faith was nurtured and lived out in quiet, faithful ways that reflected Christ’s love. It was here that many of her lifelong friendships were formed and memories too numerous to share were made.

     Mom is survived by her husband of more than six decades, Robert L. Okerlund, whom she married on October 16, 1960, in Dewittville, NY. Together, she and Bob built and owned WeeWood Trailer Park, and it seems that somewhere along the way, Mom discovered the joy that could be found on a lawnmower. She was famously particular about her lawn and was very selective about who, if anyone, was allowed to ride her beloved zero-turn mower.

     She is also survived by her children: Kevin Okerlund; Kolleen (Pat) Lucariello; Kris Okerlund; and Kenda  (Dave) Beckwith, along with her sixteen grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; three additional great-grandchildren are expected early this year. They will carry forward her legacy of compassion, perseverance, and love, and she would surely hope, a continued devotion to the love and care for all creatures, great and small. 

     She was preceded in death by her parents, Thurston and Lotta Higgs Hayward; her brothers, Neil and Gilbert; her daughter, Kara Louise Webb, and two great-grandchildren. 

     Yes, Mom—your legacy will live on through your family, your community, and the many lives—both human and animal—that were forever changed by your care. Through your 

condolences, many of you have described her as your “hero,” and she was ours, too. 

     Our family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the caregivers from Best Care Coordinators for the love, compassion, and friendship they’ve shown Mom over the past several years.

     At Mom’s request, a Celebration of Life or, as Mom called it, her Christmas in July Party, will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be no public calling hours or services. If you would like to honor her memory, donations may be made to Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue (NCCR), a cause that meant so much to her.

     With love and gratitude for your prayers and support, The Okerlund Family 

    To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com