SANDRA MARTIN "SANDY" HAYES

HAYES, Sandra Martin "Sandy" Passed away peacefully, on February 3, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by her loving children. The daughter of Colonel Ronald L. and Ruby Shane Martin of Batesville, Indiana, Sandy was born on April 1, 1938, in Fort Sheridan, Illinois. She spent much of her early life moving around as a self-proclaimed "army brat." Her father, Ron was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany following World War II, which allowed the family to travel extensively throughout Europe. After a childhood full of love, travel and exploration, she settled in Chelmsford, MA, where she raised her five children. After raising her children, Sandy earned her undergraduate degree in marketing at UMass Lowell, graduating Summa Cum Laude in front of her proud family. She then reentered the workforce, first at Wang Laboratories and later in publishing, where she shared her talents in writing, editing and working with others. An avid and fiercely competitive runner, Sandy was a proud member of the Greater Lowell Road Runners, Concord Runners, and Liberty Athletic Club. Whether it was her 11 Boston Marathons, the Marine Corps Marathon, the Chicago Marathon, Bonne Bell 10K for Women or the Mount Washington Road Race, Sandy always crossed the finish line with her red lipstick intact, her hair perfectly in place and her signature smile. Her world record still stands as a member of the Women's 75 Indoor 4x800m relay team at Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center. Sandy also loved travel, music, tennis, cycling, reading, candy and ice cream! She was always "game" for a challenge and new adventure and was adored by all who knew her for her spirit, warmth and loving nature. She is survived by her five children: Kelly (John) of Chelmsford, Dianne (Lauren) of Boston, Ted (Ann) of Eau Claire, WI, Kevin (Julie) of Brookline and Jennifer (Biff) of Brookline. She was a devoted grandmother to 11 grandchildren: Matthew, Zachary, Katie, Will, Ryan, Grady, Ambrey, Finn, Ruby, Lawson and Charlie. She is also survived by her two sisters, Mary Tiches (Tim) of Nashua, NH and Linda Dunham (Ron) of San Marcos, TX, and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to her compassionate physicians and the caregivers and staff at Adelaide of Newton Centre Memory Care, Youville Place Assisted Living in Lexington and Brighton Hospice of Massachusetts for their exceptional care and support. In remembrance of Sandy, please take a moment to step outside and enjoy nature, sing aloud to your favorite song and wave to the children on their school buses - just as she would have. A Celebration of Sandy's remarkable Life will be held in the spring.

View the online memorial for Sandra Martin "Sandy" HAYES