Miriam M. Fay

Miriam M. Fay, 91, of Lebanon, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Otterbein in Lebanon. Born on November 15, 1934 to Charles and Vivian (nee: Kiser) Fay, in Pittsburgh, PA.

Preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Elaine Drisco and Louise Grove.

She is survived by her children, Carolyn (Bruce) Archer of Lebanon, OH and Tom (Nicole) Cox of Ouray, CO, three grandchildren, Megan Pytel, Jacob Cox and Nathan Cox and two great-grandchildren, Lily Pytel and Archie Pytel.

After graduating high school in Pittsburgh, Miriam attended Purdue University where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority and graduated in 1956.She went on to attend McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, where she met and fell in love with Wilbur "Bill" Cox. They married in 1958 and raised two children together, Carolyn and Tom. After their divorce, Miriam raised her children in a loving home that instilled in them a deep respect for family and caring for others. Although at times her children didn’t make it easy, she carried a grace that has stayed with them to this day. She later attended Marian University in Indianapolis, earning her degree as a Registered Dietitian, and spent the rest of her career helping others. In her retirement, she spent countless hours helping Carolyn with her quilting business — often creating more projects of her own than the ones she set out to help with. Miriam had many passions, including quilting and watching her favorite tennis players on TV, but nothing was more important to her than her grandchildren. "Grandma Mimi" was always ready to cheer them on — whether at a band concert, a theater performance, or a sporting event — and just as ready to drop everything for a visit. Her grandchildren were the center of her universe, and nothing made her prouder. Miriam's other great joy was gathering the family around a dinner table. Whether it was a formal Thanksgiving feast or a random Saturday evening, she was in her element cooking amazing dishes, family staples and desserts, surrounded by the people she loved. Her mac & cheese and Christmas molasses cookies were always a crowd favorite. Well done, Grandma Mimi — here is to a life well lived! Know that your spirit will last for many generations to come through the people you embraced. 

A memorial service will be held at a later date.