Mary Jayne Moran

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Mary Jayne Moran, known to family and friends as "Jay", passed away peacefully at her home in Williamsburg, Virginia on June 2, 2026 at the age of 95. She was a devoted and loving wife, a dedicated mother of five, a steadfast friend and a tireless volunteer whose quiet strength and exacting care left a lasting mark on everyone she touched. Jay was a generous soul to many.

Jay and her twin brother, Joseph C. Tirrell were born on April 12, 1931 in Newark, New Jersey into a large family, where she learned the value of hard work, responsibility and attention to detail that shaped her life.

Jay attended Georgian Court College, married Robert H. Moran and then accompanied him as he served in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Tripoli, Libya in the early 1950’s. They started their family soon thereafter and spent many years in Pelham, New York and, subsequently, Newtown, Connecticut. As a mother, Jay ran a tight ship with affection and high standards. Her five children knew her to be loving but firm, always ensuring the family was organized, cared for, and encouraged to do their best. Jay was a “Mom’s Mom”.

Jay possessed a fondness for the arts. She enjoyed knitting, needlepoint and playing the piano. She spent many years creating floral arrangements inspired by the Japanese art of Ikebana. Jay was known as a fabulous cook and for being a world-class shopper, often outrunning anyone’s patience. She leaves a legacy of disciplined love and generous service that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Mary Jayne was preceded in death by her parents, Robert E. Tirrell and Elizabeth Hanlon, and nine of her 10 siblings. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Robert H. Moran; daughter, Laura; grandson, Brian (Tate); son, David; and her beloved twin brother, Joseph.

She is survived by her sister, Kathryn. Mary Jayne also is survived by three children, Karen Belford of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, Robert H. Moran, Jr. (Kathleen Sullivan) of Charleston, South Carolina; and Ellen Moran of Williamsburg, Virginia. She leaves behind four cherished grandchildren, Alexandra Moran, Julia Holland (Jack), Matthew Moran and Kathryn Salmon (Rob); and three great-grandchildren, Taliyah Fraiser, Cienna Holland and Cecily Salmon.

A Mass will be celebrated at 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday July 22nd at St. Rose of Lima Church, 312 Ridgedale Ave, East Hanover, NJ. To view the Mass remotely, please connect to the Church website (https://saintroseoflimachurch.org/).