Fay Chong Moore, age 77, of Hackettstown, NJ, passed away peacefully at Hackettstown Hospital on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

Born March 12, 1948 in Kingston, Jamaica, Fay spent her early years surrounded by her parents, Doris and Issac Chong, her older brother George, and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Her parents owned several acres of land where they operated a bakery factory and retail store, and Fay grew up among animals she adored—cats, dogs, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks, and horses.

At seventeen, Fay left Jamaica to visit her brother in South Jersey. While George relocated his family to Hawaii, Fay chose to remain in New York City, beginning a new chapter of independence. She first lived at the YWCA before securing a rent-controlled studio apartment on the Upper West Side, just behind the Museum of Natural History. Fay attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, graduating with a degree in Fashion Design. She went on to work as a pattern maker in ladies’ lingerie for Bali and Kellwood, collaborating with renowned designers such as Calvin Klein and Donna Karan. Fay proudly became a United States citizen during this time.

Fay loved to travel, especially on Viking Cruises, where she enjoyed ocean voyages, relaxing by the pool with her iPad or a book, and visiting the onboard spa. Her journeys took her across the globe to China, Germany, France, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, Italy, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. She also cherished the cultural treasures of New York City—its museums, theaters, art galleries, ballet, opera, and the vibrant weekends spent enjoying dim sum in Chinatown. A lover of flowers, she attended the Philadelphia Flower Show for many years with friends Walter and Leanna.

Fay embraced new experiences throughout her life, learning to drive at age 42 and to kayak at 55. She was deeply involved in her community, serving on the Parent Association at St. Mary’s Grammar School, assisting with after-school care and cafeteria duties, and supporting parish life at Assumption Church. She helped organize fundraisers, sold raffle tickets, and contributed to the annual Christmas Ball dinner dance alongside Barbara Reed and Lucy Idler.

Fay is survived by her loving husband, Joseph, and son, Spencer. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Elizabeth Hurley and her children Brian, Patrick, and Denis; nieces Stacy Chou (daughters Christine and Amy), Laura Tasaki (husband Mitch, daughters Michelle and Marissa, son Bryson), and Rhonda Chong; nephews Rodney Chong (wife Vivien, daughter Samantha), Colin Chong, and Gregory Chong (wife Julia, daughter Natalie); uncle David Chin (wife Gladys); and many other cherished cousins and family members.

She was predeceased by her parents Doris and Issac Chong, her brother George and his wife Kathleen, her uncle and aunt Dudley and Betty Hotom, and cousins Kendrick and Nicky Hotom.

Visitation will be held at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ, on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 4–8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Mary, 302 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ, on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 11 am. Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UPENN Medicine, Kidney Transplant Department, Philadelphia, PA (www.pennmedicine.org) in memory of Fay.