Marcia Mary Gay

Marcia Mary Gay, 72, of Alpena, passed away peacefully on 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 on 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 brother-in-law in Arizona. 

Marcia is survived by her three children, Josh (Lindsay) Nowak, Greta (Jeremy) Ryan, and Nicholas (Natalie) Nowak, four grandchildren, Gavin and Olivia Ryan, 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 on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at 12:00 P.M. with Pastor 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