t is with heartfelt sorrow, yet with a celebration of a life fully lived, that we announce the passing of the spirited and loving Marcia Ruth Hajjar, affectionately known as Mimi, on October 23, 2023. Born on May 26, 1946, in Turbotville, PA, Marcia was a beacon of support and inspiration to all who knew her.
She was a retired language teacher, who had a stellar career at Corning Painted Post East High School, where she taught French and Spanish. She retired in 2001, leaving a legacy of knowledge and love for learning. Winston Churchill once said, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Marcia gave abundantly to her family, students, and her friends, and her life was a testament to this truth. Marcia was a woman of many passions. She found joy in the simple things, spending time with her children, grandchildren and family. She also enjoyed tending to her farm and caring for her pets; rooting for the Yankees, Penn State, and the Bills, and indulging in sweet treats, especially cookies and donuts. She was a master at creating a magical Christmas holiday for her children and grandchildren as well. Marcia was a proud graduate with a Masters degree in Education, an exemplification of her unwavering dedication to lifelong learning. She was an avid reader and cherished her time at her book clubs. Her time spent at her family lake house on Keuka Lake and her annual family trips to Dewey Beach were amongst the highlights of her life. For Marcia, every day was an opportunity to create beautiful memories. But above all, Marcia's love for her family was unparalleled; they were her world, her joy, and her pride. Marcia is survived by her loving children, Emily (Andrew Ulane) Hajjar, Rachael (Matthew) Zappia, and Thomas (Karis) Hajjar; her cherished grandchildren, Luke, Adrienne, and Coco Zappia, Violet, Alexandria, and Hawkins Hajjar; her sister, Sandra (Ryann) Johnson; brothers-in-law, Jerry Mallow and Ted (Carol Wells) Hajjar; sister-in-law, Justine (Bob) Ondricek; close friend, Irving Siegler; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Hajjar; infant son, David; parents, William and Ruth Humphrey; brothers, William, Peter, Richard, John and Jere Humphrey; sisters, Nancy Burnhauser, Mary Mallow, and Suzanne Humphrey. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 4:00pm at The Hajjar Family Farm, 10388 Ryers Creek Road, Corning, NY 14830. Burial will be held at a later date in Barnard Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Marcia's honor to the Finger Lakes SPCA, https://fingerlakesspca.org/, or to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, https://phassociation.org/donate/. Marcia's family entrusted her care to Haughey Funeral Home, Inc., 216 E. First Street, Corning, NY 14830, www.haugheyfuneralhome.com.
