Martha Lucy Pallay

YOUNGSTOWN - Martha L. "Lucy" Pallay, 89, passed away Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at her home, with her children by her side.

Lucy was born March 23, 1936, in Plainville Georgia, the daughter of Robert and Martha Burchett. She came to the area during her school aged years and graduated from the Andrews School for Girls with an emphasis on fashion merchandising.

She worked for General Electric before starting a family with the love of her life, John J. Pallay, whom she married June 7, 1958. Lucy relished her job as a stay-at-home mom spending time with her children. She was actively involved in numerous school organizations while being their guiding light.

She enjoyed a meal or cup of coffee with a friend, shopping at the mall or on QVC, winning big at the casino and bus trips. Lucy was a loyal friend who always thought of others before herself and tried to make their lives better in any way possible. An incredible cook, she was known for her excellent pepperoni rolls and the world's best kolache. Most of all though, she was known for the love of her family - loving and supporting her children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her home was a shrine to all of them.

Lucy is survived by her three children, Martha (Bob) Gatchel of Hartland, Wis., John C. Pallay of Youngstown, and Jeffrey (Rebecca) Pallay of Hilliard; six grandchildren, Lauren (Allen) Crawford of Indianapolis, Ind., Allison (Lucas) Nault of Waukesha, Wis., Austin Gatchel of San Francisco, Calif., John Gatchel of Denver, Colo., Jordan (Jake) Siford and Jared Pallay, both of Hilliard; four great grandchildren, Booker and Barton Crawford, and Emma and Dalton Nault.

Those who knew her best would tell you her biggest loss was that of her husband of 38 years who passed away January 24, 1995. She stayed faithfully by his side until her passing.

She was the last surviving sibling, preceded in death by Robert "T" Burchett, Raymond Bill Burchett, Jack B. Burchett and Edna Brown.

A private service is being held at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown.

The family would like to thank those who cared for Lucy as well as all the prayers sent on her behalf. The family would like especially to thank Noel and Ellen who cared for her and brightened her days.

If you would like to make a memorial contribution, Lucy's favorite charity was the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley. https://give.rescuemissionmv.org/