Nora Shay

Nora Shay, 84, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, at 3:40 p.m., surrounded by her family. A private family memorial will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2026, in Ankeny, Iowa.

Nora was born on November 22, 1941, in Damascus, Syria, the daughter of Dikran and Sofia Kuyumijan. She began her life’s work as a teacher in Armenia before immigrating to the United States, where she married Lee Shay. Together they welcomed two daughters, Jennifer Anne Shay (Patton) and Anita Lynn Shay (Volk). After Lee’s passing from ALS, Nora raised her daughters primarily as a single mother—a role she carried with remarkable strength, resilience, and devotion.

Nora was known for her tireless work ethic, often holding multiple jobs to support her family. She retired from Rockwell Collins, after which she devoted much of her time and energy to caring for and spending time with her grandchildren. Family was always the center of her life.

Nora will be remembered for her green thumb and love of gardening, her beautiful flowers and carefully tended plants, and her passion for cooking. She was an exceptional Mediterranean cook who expressed her love through meals shared with family. She cherished time spent together, playing games like Uno, laughing loudly, and creating lasting memories. Though her health declined rapidly over the past year, her family will remember her at her very best—strong, loving, and full of joy

She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer and Todd Patton of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with their children Alyssa and Ben Patton, and Anita and Wes Volk of Ankeny, Iowa, with their sons Jaxon and Simon Volk; her sister, Sela Yacoubian of France; and her brother, Kevork Kuyumijan of California.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Hovig Kuyumijan; and her ex-husband, Lee Shay.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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