Noris Lay

“Our Beloved Oma”

November 3, 1943 – July 19, 2026

With profound sadness and hearts full of love, we announce the passing of Noris Lay, affectionately known to her family as “Oma.” On July 19, 2026, she peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering love, strength, faith, and family.

Noris was born on November 3, 1943, in Germany to Giovanni and Gertrud Gianesin and was raised in Italy, where she developed the resilience, determination, and love of family that would shape her remarkable life. She remained proud of her German and Italian heritage, sharing her traditions, treasured recipes, and love of family with everyone around her.

She shared 56 wonderful years of marriage with the love of her life, Lonnie F Lay, faithfully supporting him throughout his military career before they made Clarksville, Tennessee their home more than forty years ago. Together they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, hospitality, and unconditional love. Sometimes he would call her “Onorina” which was her Italian name for Noris. Everyday they would call each other “Schatzi “

Though petite in stature, Noris was truly a firecracker. She possessed an incredible work ethic and rarely sat still. Whether she was mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, tending flowers, growing tomatoes and peppers in her beloved garden, or caring for every detail of her beautiful home, she did everything with excellence. Her yard was admired by many, but those who knew her understood that the true beauty of her home came from the love that lived inside it.

Noris was the heart of her family. She was an exceptional homemaker, an amazing cook, and the keeper of many cherished family traditions. Her famous German potato salad, home-cooked meals, 40 years of “ Brötchen Night “ on Thursdays and the aroma of fresh coffee—always brewing—became symbols of comfort and togetherness. Everyone was welcomed at her table, and no one ever left hungry.

Above all, Noris treasured her family. Being “Oma” was one of her greatest joys. She adored her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, pouring her love into each generation. Her greatest accomplishment was not found in anything she owned, but in the family she nurtured and the values she passed on. Let’s not forget about her fur babies. She had a few. Julio & Juliana and her latest “Schatzi”. She spoiled them as she did everyone.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Lonnie F Lay; her parents, Giovanni and Gertrud Gianesin; her sister, Renate; and her cherished grandchildren, Priscilla Rivera and Dylan Christopher R. Lay.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children, Ilona Rivera, Larry (Angela) Lay, and Michael (Amie) Lay; her beloved grandchildren, Carlos R. (Caitlyn) Rivera II, Giovanni A. (Tabatha) Rivera, Alexandria C. Lay, and Riley Franklin G. Lay; seven treasured great-grandchildren; her siblings, Klaudia, Roland, Rita, Marina, and Hans, along with their families in the US, Germany, Italy and Australia; her sisters-in-law, Pat, Loretta, and Marie Elizabeth; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever blessed by knowing her.

While our hearts are broken, we rejoice in knowing that Noris has been reunited with her beloved husband and with those who have gone before her. Her love, strength, kindness, traditions, and unwavering devotion to her family will continue to live on in each of us.

She was deeply loved. She will be forever missed. She will always be our Oma & Mama!!!

Until we see you again…..

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Matthew 25:23

A Celebration of Life service for will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Sykes Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until the hour of service. 

Please visit Noris' online guestbook at www.sykesfuneralhome.com and share a memory with her family.