Jacoba Morales

Jacoba "Jay" Morales

August 23, 1925 - January 23, 2022

Jay Morales, nee Ortiz, age 96, of Hazel Crest and Homewood, Illinois and formerly of Chicago's Southeast side passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family.  Born in St. Joseph, Missouri to Blasa Ortega Ortiz, she was one of twelve children. Married to the late Juan F. "Paul" Morales for 63 years. Loving mother of the late Maria Morales.

Survived by four children, Arthur (Carol) Barlow, John (Gail) Morales, Suzanne (Calvin) Neblett and Barbara Morales.  Cherished grandmother of Tristana and Zachary (Danielle) Barlow, Erik (Alison) Morales, Andrew and Alec Morales and loving great grandmother of Amelia, Aubrey, and Adalynn Morales. Loving sister of David (Susie) Ortiz and Virginia Oleksy. Survived by many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews near and far.

Formerly employed at R. R. Donnelley, she was a homemaker after marrying Paul and raised five children.  She then completed two years of college and worked as a legal secretary and then as an administrative aid and translator for The City of Chicago's Mental Health Department.

Jay was an avid reader of mysteries, fierce Scrabble player, lover of crossword puzzles and a lifelong fan of boxing, baseball, and basketball, cheering on her beloved Chicago Bulls during their championship dynasty. She was the head librarian and member of the Red Hat Society for many years at Waterford Estates. Jay was passionate about her family and friends, weekly mass, saying the rosary and a love of travel beginning with her trips to Mexico City with Paul and to Texas to be with family.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her name to the Salvation Army, American Lung Association or American Heart Association.