Doris A. Fay

Doris A. Fay, Cdr USN (Ret.) 73, resident of Milford, NH, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 4, 1948 in Cambridge, MA, the daughter of James and Rosalie (Woodbury) Lyons. Doris was raised and educated in Cambridge, MA, and graduated Boston University with a degree in Nursing. Doris was a U.S. Navy Commander, having proudly served twenty years before her retirement in 1989. Her military career took her to many duty stations, from Japan to the length of the East Coast, but she always felt her home was New Hampshire. Upon retirement, Doris focused on the family that she loved so much. She spent much time with her parents until their passings, while taking her children all over for their daily activities. She provided much support for all of her children, and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Many people were blessed by the thousands of blankets that she crocheted for family, friends and the community. She also enjoyed crocheting, camping, traveling and mostly spending time with her children and grandchildren and her extended family at the Manchester Vet Center and camp. She participated in many activities thanks to the Veteran organization, such as golfing, canoeing, bicycling and hula hooping most recently. Doris was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church, Milford. She was predeceased by her brother, Doyal Lyons. Family members include her children, Gwen Fay of Milford, NH, Gretchen and Jeffrey Davidson of Merrimack, NH, Joseph Fay IV and Kathleen Fay of Milford, NH, Ellen Fay of Milford, NH, and Megan Sanborn of Milford, NH; eight grandchildren, Kyle, Nevaeh, Zac, Jack, Anna, Joseph V, James and Keira. Funeral services are private. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. To offer a memory or condolence, please visit www.smith-heald.com In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Manchester Vet Center, 1461 Hooksett Rd, Hooksett, NH 03106.