Muriel A. Jay, 79, formerly of Meadowbrook Drive, New Castle, passed July 4, 2012 at Jameson Care Center following an extended illness.Born April 24, 1933, in New Castle, Muriel was the daughter of Frank VanDyke and Catherine Ainslee Gross. She married Elbert R. Jay on June 30, 1955. Elbert preceded Muriel in death on April 20, 1984. Following graduation, in 1951 from New Castle High School, Muriel worked as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone. After her and Elbert married, she enjoyed being a homemaker and raising her children. While her children were in school, she was a member of the Neshannock Boosters. Muriel worked for 15 years at Klafter's Inc. in New Castle. She volunteered extensively for The American Cancer Society and served on the board of directors as Daffodil Committee chairperson. In 2004, she was awarded the Lawrence County Mary Ferrante Award for outstanding service and dedication to the American Cancer Society.She was a member of Highland Presbyterian Church where she had served as a deacon and as an elder. She was a volunteer for the Jameson Junior Guild and a member of the Lady Lions. Most important to Muriel was the time she spent with her family, friends and grandchildren. She will always be remembered for being there for others in times of need.She is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Kirk L. and Kathleen Jay of Phoenixville, PA, Todd V. and Sarah Jay of Edinboro, PA, and Tim E. and Karen Jay of Fishers, IN; one daughter and son-in-law, Cathy J. and Ralph LaCava of Hermitage, PA; and seven grandchildren, Alyssa LaCava, Nicole LaCava, Conner Jay, Tanner Jay, Chase Jay, Alex Jay and Makayla Jay.Visitation will be held on Friday, July 6, 2012, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle.A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Stephen Stelle will officiate. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1101 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or Highland Presbyterian Church, 708 Highland Avenue, New Castle, PA 16101.