Dolores A. Hays

Hays, Dolores A. SCHENECTADY The story of Dolores Ann (Nickel) Hays starts in 1929 in Schenectady, N.Y. "Dolly" was born at home to Dorothy (Hatji) and William Nickel and was the youngest of eight children; two sisters and five brothers. She was raised in Schen-ectady and "off the trolley stop" in what is now Colonie, attending the one-room schoolhouse, the Maplewood Union Free School, and Nott Terrace High School. After graduation, she began a career as a beautician. In 1954, she met a dashing young Army man from out west, James H. Hays. They fell in love and were soon married. Moving about to different posts, children soon followed, Paula Hays Fanning of Malta, N.Y., David Wyane Hays of Miss., James H. Hays Jr. of Malta, N.Y. and Thomas Hays of Ga. In 1961, they settled in at 71 Elder St., Schenectady to raise their family. In addition to raising her children, "Mom" was a communicant of Trinity Lutheran Church, Furman Street. Mrs. Hays voluntarily served on several committees with the church, schools, the city, manager of the boy's baseball training league and president of the ladies auxiliary. Dolly was an avid bowler such that when she injured her right elbow she switched to the left, maintaining a respectable average from both sides. She was the director of the junior bowling program in Clifton Park for over ten years and manager of the traveling bowling league. During this time, she took up driving instruction and taught at the Easy Method Driving School. With the birth of her first grandson in the late 1970s, she added the role of grandma and was actively involved. Dolores was an early neighborhood activist in the Central State Street area and fought hard for a police community center, where she also served on the board. She was instrumental in the formation of Schenectady United Neighborhoods (S.U.N.) and was its first elected president, serving for many years. She also served as driver and beautician with the Ellis Hospital Outpatient Mental Health Clinic. She continued with S.U.N. in the 1980s, fighting successfully to keep Schenectady's Central Park forever wild. With the birth of a granddaughter and then more grandchildren, she loved and nurtured each in turn. Dolores Hays was awarded the prestigious title Schenectady Patroon in 1995 for her many years of service to family, church and community. Dolly, Dolores, Mother, Grandma, Mrs. Hays was known for her quick wit, humorous nature and kind spirit, in addition to her strength under adversity. She always had a kind word and soft touch for those in need and was willing to help any and all who needed. After 39 years together, her husband, Msg. James H. Hays (Ret), passed. She spent her remaining years enjoying her family and the company of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. On September 17, 2007 she was joking with people and, when left alone for a few minutes, was called home and peacefully passed. Her story continues in her one brother, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family and friends who survive her. Funeral services will be Friday morning at 11:00 at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Calling hours will be Thursday from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memory's Garden, Colonie. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 35 Furman St., Schenectady, NY 12304 or to a charity of one's choice in memory of Dolores A. Hays. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerFamily.com