Joan B. Hayes, 81, a lifelong Nashua resident, died peacefully at her home, Tuesday morning, January 27, 2015, after a period of declining health.
Born in Nashua on September 11, 1933, she was the only child of the late Henry F. and Anna Mae (Brady) Soucy. Educated in local schools, Joan was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1951.
Mrs. Hayes began her career with the former New England Telephone and Telegraph as an operator in 1951. She worked in many positions and served through numerous transactions with-in the company during her 30 years there.
Joan was a life-member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and a communicant of St. Patrick Church. Joan’s greatest pride were her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her Irish Heritage and music, her faith which brought her through many challenges, her children, family and friends. She was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots and especially loved murder mysteries.
In addition to her parents, Joan was predeceased by her former husband Donald Lee Hayes; and two grandsons, Michael P. Hayes and Ryan B. Hayes.
Members of her family include her three children, Kevin M. Hayes and his wife Louise M. (Duprey) Hayes, Maureen A. Hayes, and John T. Hayes and his significant other Jennifer Bergeron all of Nashua; five grandchildren, Kathryn M. Schneider and her husband Dan of Old Saybrook, CT, Thomas W. Hayes and his partner Allyson Sendyk of Brookline, MA, Tasha L. Hayes and her fiancé Frank Gallagher of Framingham, MA, Jered C. Hayes of Concord, NH and Megan B. Hayes of Somerville, MA; three great-grandchildren, Marilin A. Taveras, Karly Joan Schneider and Olivia Kate Schneider; a cousin, Sister M. Martha Mulligan, RSM of Hudson; extended family, Carmel McDonnell and family of New Bridge, County Kildare, Ireland; lifelong friends, Connie Plamondon of Hudson, Joan Emberly of Middleborough, MA, Eva Blanchette and Carmella Mazzola of Hampton, NH and Florida.
The family wishes to extend the greatest level of gratitude to the providers at Drs. Hakimian and Jampani’s office, as well as the outstanding care givers from Home Health & Hospice Care. The exceptional care and kindness demonstrated to our mother and the members of our family goes beyond all expectations.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, on Monday February 2nd from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. Friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Donations may be made in her memory to Home Health & Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com
