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Julia O'Hay Veres

Julia O'Hay Veres, 99, passed away Tuesday, November 23, 2021, peacefully surrounded by family at home in Forks Township, PA.

Born on October 21, 1922, in Easton, PA, Juliawas the daughter of the late Lawrence and Katherine Clark O'Hay.

Following her graduation from Easton Catholic High School, Julia was employed at Bell Telephone as an operator. She enlisted in the US Navy WAVES during World War II and completed her radioman training at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin. Julia was then permanently stationed at the US Naval Base in Norfolk, VA, where she used Morse Code for ship-to-shore communications. She met her lifelong best friend Agnes Farrell while serving. Honorably discharged at the end of World War II, Julia then graduated from Churchman's Business School. She worked for the State of NJ Unemployment office in Phillipsburg, NJ. She lived a long life spreading her love and her cherished family history to her children and grandchildren. The family history included stories about her grandfather Philip Vincent Clark, who fought in the Civil War; the family’s business, O’Hay’s Café, in the circle in Easton; growing up during the Great Depression; World War II; and many tales of her large and entertaining Irish family. All of her children and grandchildren are well versed in these stories and will carry them forward for generations to come. Julia never forgot the Morse code and would amaze her grandchildren by reciting it. She enjoyed researching and discussing the history of Easton and Phillipsburg, her Irish heritage, her family genealogy, and the Civil War. We had a very memorable family gathering many years ago at the Gettysburg Battlefield with her children and grandchildren. She was a dedicated and loving mother and grandmother and cherished those moments. Julia is loved by many and has earned her wings for eternity.         

Julia was a member of St Philip & St James Roman Catholic Church in Phillipsburg and, formerly, attended St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Easton. Julia was also a member of the Phillipsburg Historical Society.

Surviving are her beloved daughters, Donna Ford and husband Arthur of Marlton, NJ; Mary Beth Duddy and husband Kevin of Phillipsburg; sons, Richard Case and wife Rhona of Cherry Hill, NJ; Joseph Veres and wife Karen of Forks Township, Pa.; grandchildren:  Madeline and Andrew Ford; Tyler Case and Steven Giordano; Fletcher, Trevor, Seamus and Eileen Duddy; Brandon, Connor and Austin Veres; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Julia was predeceased by husbands Donald Case, in 1956 and Joseph Veres, in 1992; son Daniel G. Veres, 1989; siblings Philip, William, Joseph, Katherine Heoney, Alice Howell and Jeannette O'Hay.

Services are to be held privately. The Finegan Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Donations may be made, in Julia’s name, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, via stjude.org/donate, or to The Center for Animal Health & Welfare, via a check sent to 1165 Island Park Road, Easton, PA, 18042.