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Mary Catherine Strobel Hayes lived an exuberant and full life defined by friendship, creativity, enthusiasm for every experience, and great good humor. She passed away on June 5, 2013 after a 41/2 year battle with cancer. In truth, Mary Catherine defeated the disease. It could not kill her optimistic nature, cloud the purity of her experiences, dampen her drive to achieve, or hinder her ability to savor every moment with family and friends. Mary Catherine's triumph is a lasting legacy of courage and laughter for all who knew her and many who have learned of her indomitable spirit from others. Born in Skokie, IL on May 11, 1992, she lived most of her life in Winnetka, IL. She attended Greeley Elementary School, Skokie Middle School, Washburne Junior High, and New Trier High School, graduating in 2010. Mary Catherine's passion was theatre. She participated in Winnetka Children's Theatre and Wilmette Children's Theatre in junior high; and was heavily involved with New Trier's Performing Arts Department, appearing in and contributing to many shows. In her senior year, she was selected as co-producer of New Trier's renowned student-run variety show, Lagniappe Potpourri, juggling with aplomb her extensive responsibilities to the show in the midst of chemotherapy and surgery. Mary Catherine attended Syracuse University in 2011 as an acting major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts before taking a leave to undergo additional cancer treatment. While taking a gap year between high school and college, she student-taught at New Trier in the Performing Arts Department and volunteered at Wilmette Theatre. Mary Catherine is survived by her parents, Matthew F. Hayes and Katherine Seigenthaler; her sister Marcella (Sally) McGee Hayes; her brothers, Thomas Lawrence Hayes and George Matthew Seigenthaler Hayes; and her grandmothers, Veronica Strobel-Seigenthaler (Nashville, TN) and Sue Floberg Hayes (St. Paul, MN). She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Thomas Patrick Seigenthaler and Lawrence Joseph Hayes; and her grandmother, Marcella McGee Hayes. She also is survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends around the world. Visitation will be held Friday, June 7, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., rosary will be said at 4:00 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd. at Old Orchard Rd., Skokie, IL 60077. A Mass of the Resurrection celebrating Mary Catherine's life will be held Saturday, June 8, at 1:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 1077 Tower Rd., Winnetka, IL 60093 with the Rev. Michael O'Connell presiding. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Mary Catherine's memory to the New Trier High School, c/o NTHS, Performing Arts Division, 7 Happ Rd., Northfield, IL 60093; Misericordia Home, 6300 N. Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL 60660; and Room in the Inn, 705 Drexel Street, Nashville, TN 37203. Info: 847/675-1990 or www.donnellanfuneral.com.
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Though I did not know Mary Catherine personally, I have always felt that I did because of her Nashville family. All of you have done so much to help so many grow in Faith, in Hope and in Love. Mary Catherine will bring many many souls along with her as the years go by. Thank you all so much for this great gift. Another blessing from many generations of great hearts and souls.
Millie Foye
September 15, 2013
My deepest sympathies go out to the entire family. My heart and prayers are with you.
Mindy Tobin
June 13, 2013
May God comfort you in this time of sorrow. Catherine had the most beautiful smile and heart! Val
Val Popa
June 11, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family. May you find strength in God who gives comfort to all the mourning ones. Isaiah 61:2
June 10, 2013
As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of Mary Catherine. In the words of Robert Louis Stevenson: "Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow."
Rosa & Tracy Welsh-Cortez
June 10, 2013
I know that there are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone so beloved. Mary Catherine touched many lives, and is deeply missed. May the God of all comfort be with you all during this time of intense grief, and always. (1 Cor 15:26) I'm very sorry for your loss.
J K
June 9, 2013
When God calls little children
to dwell with Him above.
We mortals sometimes question
the wisdom of His love.
for no heartache compares with
the death of one small child,
who does so much to make our world
seem wonderful and mild.
Perhaps God tires of calling
the aged to His fold.
So He picks a rosebud
before it can grow old.
God knows how much we need them
and so He takes but few,
to make the land of Heaven
more beautiful to view.
Believing this is difficult
still somehow we must try.
The saddest word mankind know
will always be "Goodbye".
So when a child departs
we who are left behind,
must realize God loves children,
Angels are hard to find.
Love, Joanie
Joanie Richard Cozart
June 8, 2013
We have prayed over the years for your sweet girl but will keep the prayers coming for her family that loved her so very much. May she rest in peace. Karen & Joe Roddy and family
June 8, 2013
My heartfelt condolences. I am so sorry.
Lali Watt
June 8, 2013
We did not have the pleasure of knowing your dear Mary Catherine, but we are very saddened by her passing. May she rest in peace, and may you be comforted by sweet memories of her.
A New Trier Family
June 8, 2013
Much love and many prayers for MC and family. May you feel her peace and wholeness forever.
Linda Lanphier
June 8, 2013
Beautiful tribute to your lovely.Girl.May God be with you and keep you in the palm of His hand.You are in our prayers June and Jack
June and Jack Pierce
June 7, 2013
Rest in peace dear Mary Catherine, I know that the heavens are open in celebration for you. Our mothers and fathers, grandma's and grandpa's all welcoming you into their loving arms. To Matthew and Katie we send our love and strength to you both. Sally, Thomas and Georgie we love you all and share your sadness. Warm embraces
Roland & Sally Birnbaum
June 7, 2013
You and your family are in my prayers. Like the Little St. Therese of the Little flower Mary Catherine used her illlness to spread God's love. I'm sure her good work has just begin. I thank God for her gift of life. You are in my prayers.
June 6, 2013
Muff Alsup
June 6, 2013
Matt and family - I was so saddened by this news. What a wondeful young woman. You are in my prayers.
Kevin Berg
June 6, 2013
Words can not describe the loss we feel for all of you. Love, always,and you are in our prayers, always, Pat and Linda
June 6, 2013
All my love to this family
gemma García
June 6, 2013
Our sympathies and prayers for Mary Catherine and all the Strobel's/Hayes. Thank you for remembering our Misericordia residents, during these hard days.
Sister Paulette Misericordia
June 6, 2013
Matt & Katie - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on Mary Catherine's passing. What a beautiful tribute to her. Dodger & Michelle Slater
Tom Slater
June 6, 2013
We will never forget Mary Catherine's many playdates with Samantha during their Greeley days. Mary Carherine's smiles were infectious. In fact, I don't think I ever saw Mary Catherine where she wasn't smiling. We were blessed to have known her.
With love,
Cario, Tracy and Samantha Lullo.
Tracy Lullo
June 6, 2013
Thinking how blessed you all are to have been a part of MC's life and how blessed you have been By her. Wishing you many blessings, much peace and loving memories. Teresa Strobel
Teresa Strobel
June 6, 2013
May you find comfort in God's word and in the God of all comfort during your time of loss.
June 6, 2013
May God comfort you and may caring support surround you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Anne Kyle
June 6, 2013
May God's grace and your loving memories of Mary Catherine bless your family. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Cathy Mich
June 6, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. God's grace be with you until you see her again.
Raquel, Karen and Kristi Pittman
June 6, 2013
The Valiquette family is sending you prayers of light and love as you celebrate the inspirational life of Mary Catherine. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Aimee Valiquette
June 6, 2013
I'm so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute in the paper. She seemed to have a wonderful passion for life and the theater even during her cancer fight. What a blessing that her very large loving family members can help each other heal.
Melanie Booth
June 6, 2013
I'm so sorry about Mary Catherine's passing. May her family and friends find the peace they need knowing she was such an amazing person. God has a tendency to take the great ones back sooner so they can be angels for their loved ones. Rest in peace, Mary Catherine.
Missy Brown
June 6, 2013
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Donnellan Family Funeral Services10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077
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Donnellan Family Funeral Services10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077
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