Letitia HAYES

HAYES, Letitia (Boris)


Letitia Hayes (Boris), 81 died Saturday, (September 14, 2013) at her home in The Villages, Lady Lake, FL. Formerly of Ellington, CT, she was the wife of Robert K. Hayes and the late Paul A Boris. She was born on March 1, 1932 in Worcester, MA. She gained early recognition as gifted coloratura-soprano and began voice studies at the age of 12 under Eva Tancrell. A 1949 graduate of Blackstone (MA) High School, she matriculated to the Julliard School of Music in New York City where she studied under both Lucia Dunham and Frank La Forge. Letitia sang as a member of the Scholara Cantorum of New York City and appeared on several occasions at Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera House. She also appeared once with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London. Her career extended to the Bushnell Theatre where she sang with the Connecticut Opera Company and the CT Gilbert and Sullivan Company. While music was her first love, family was her true love. She moved to Ellington in 1963. Over the next 28 years, Letitia was a permanent fixture at her children and grandchildren's sports activities and she always provided a welcome and familiar voice from the stands. She assisted with the family businesses for many years and helped tutor students in the Hartford school systems in both English and music. She was a longtime member of the St. Luke's choir and sang numerous weddings for family and friends. Letitia took up golf at an early age (59) and finished her career with three holes in one! The past two decades, her passion for life was fueled by Paul A. Boris who passed in 2011. Letitia and Paul enjoyed life in The Villages staying active as golfers and as members of the Connecticut and Irish clubs. The UConn women's basketball team and her beloved Boston Red Sox were also longtime passions. Her final curtain call came one week before her passing when she sang Ave' Maria with her four children at her bedside. The notes were barely more than a whisper, but she missed not a single verse. "Toodle-oo" Mom. May you rest in peace. You were dearly loved and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her children, Robert D. Hayes and his wife Rose-Anne of Stafford; Letitia A. Hayes and her husband Frank Jurgens of Mystic; John R. Hayes of Lady Lake, FL and Kevin Hayes and his wife Ann Marie of Ellington. She also leaves five grandchildren, Tom and Kate Powers; Kelly Hayes and Danny and Erin Hayes; a sister Frances E. Healey of Woonsocket, RI and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother John V. Donlon.
Letitia's family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, September 22, 2013 from 1-4 p.m. at Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 Prospect St., Rockville, CT. Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, September 23 at 10 a.m. at St. Bernard Church in Rockville. Internment will follow at Ellington Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association-CT Chapter. For on line condolences please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com