Obituary of May Hatton

Mary “MAY” Hatton

March 14, 1941 – December 13, 2023

Mary “May” Hatton, originally of Glasgow, Scotland, eventually of Huntington, New York, died on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at the age of 82.  She is survived by her three children, Karen Mowbray, Gary Hatton and Michele McCann; two children-in-law, Lisa Hatton and Kevin McCann; and her four grandchildren, Samantha Mowbray, Amelia Hatton, Kayla McCann and Jake Hatton.   She is also survived by her sister Agnes “Nessie” Robertson and her husband Walter of Ontario, Canada; nephew David (and his family), and niece, Lynn Robertson.

For those who don’t know her well, here is a little bit of her story.

Our mom raised us three children alone, and sacrificed so much for our happiness.  It wasn’t easy, and we didn’t have much, but somehow, she managed to give us everything we needed.  Although it was an added financial hardship, she kept us in Huntington so we wouldn’t have to leave our friends.  This is an important part of who we are.  We are thankful for every moment.  (We did not tell you often enough mom, but we are so grateful to you for everything you did for us).  

She was a wonderful, loving grandmother. She tried to see every sporting event that her grandchildren played in, and was well known by the other children and their families as “Grandma.”  Her presence at the games will be missed for sure - by many.  When going through pictures for her service, we were struck by just how many pictures there were of grandma simply staring at one of the grandchildren – with such a look of admiration and love.  A tender moment captured over and over that shows the unwavering love of a grandma.  And you didn’t have to be related to be family.  She was ‘grandma’ to many (Tyler, Perry, Skylar, Madison, Gabriel, Lorenzo, Luciano, Fabiana, and so many more who loved her dearly).    

May was also a dear friend to many.  We were often told by her friends that we knew, or by strangers who knew our mom, how wonderful she was and how lucky we were to have her as a mother.   Her praises continue to be sung as those who loved her say goodbye.

May loved all things Scotland.  She didn’t miss the annual Scottish Games in Westbury if she could help it.  Her apartment is filled with tartan, and she listened to bagpipe music more than anyone should.  We were able to take mom back to Scotland in 2013 after being in the States for about 50 years without being back.  There were moments on that trip we have never seen her happier.  Scotland was always in her heart and so much a part of who she was.

She was also known for her knitting.  She shared her expertise by helping and teaching others, and by making things for her family and friends – blankets, sweaters, scarves, and baby outfits.  I have lost count of how many babies were christened in one of the outfits she made, or came home from the hospital with a special blanket made with love from “Grandma.”  We are extremely happy to say that we all have many of those precious creations that we will treasure forever and pass down to the next generation.   

May was an avid tea drinker.  She loved crosswords, and Jeopardy, and was known to make amazing “brownies from a box.”  (Inside family joke).  

We will miss her sarcastic comments and eye rolls (always given with love), and the slight Scottish accent that would surface every now and then, and the way she would feign being upset when one of the grandchildren stood over her to prove how short she was compared to them.  But her “cheeky” sarcasm lives on – prominently – in her children.

We can’t even imagine yet the many ways she will be missed.  The absence in every day life, her presence no longer at family gatherings.  But she will always be remembered.  She will always be loved.  She lives on through us all.