Frances E. Lay

Frances E. Lay, 98, of Kennett Square/Exton peacefully passed away on January 29, 2026 at her residence in Kendal at Longwood, Kennett Square PA.

Her husband, Harold, pre-deceased her in 2005 of which they shared 56 years of marriage.

Born in Pittsburgh PA, she was the daughter of the late Rose and Ambrose Salamacha.

Frances was a devoted wife and mother of their children, Bonita E. Lay of Jensen Beach FL., Harold E. Lay of Glenn Burnie MD, Jennifer E Lay and husband, Scott Kitchen and two grandchildren Faye and Stasia Kitchen. She was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was a member of Sts. Philip and James Church in Exton, the Charismatic Prayer group, a third order Franciscan and was very supportive of her missions and her favorite charities.

She loved travel, hospitality, an avid reader, classical and Catholic music and history of the lives of the saints.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday February 11 at Sts. Philip and James Church: 723 E Lincoln Highway, Exton. Family and friends may call at the church on Wednesday morning from 9:45-10:45 a.m.

Interment will be at St. Agnes Cemetery: 1050 Pottstown Pike, W Chester PA 19380.

Memorial contributions. In lieu of flowers donations may be made out to Rev Tri Pham, St. Joseph Mission-Honduras Holy Family Catholic Church 2330 Mariposa Ave, Port Saint Lucie FL 34952. Attn: Bonita Lay

Arrangements are being handled by the James J Terry Funeral Home, Downingtown, PA.