Sandra Riley Hayes

1946 - 2025

Sandra Riley Hayes, 79
1946 - 2025
Peabody - On Sunday, December 21, 2025, just before sunset, Sandra (Riley) Hayes passed away peacefully at her home in Melbourne, Florida, surrounded by family, and was reunited once again with the many loved ones who had gone before her.Sandra was the beloved wife of over fifty years to David Hayes Sr., and a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother-roles that gave great joy and meaning to her life. She was also a deeply loved first-grade teacher, a calling she cherished-second only to her family. Through her years in the classroom, she touched countless lives, and her influence reached far beyond first grade. Former students carried her lessons, her kindness, and her encouragement with them long after leaving her classroom. Beyond the classroom, Sandra was lovingly known to many as Nana Sandy, a name that reflected the love, patience, and guidance she shared so freely with all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Throughout her life, Sandra remained an enduring optimist and a quiet warrior, determined to spend every precious moment she could with the people she loved. Family was always her greatest joy. She treasured time together-especially on vacations-thoughtfully creating memories she hoped would live on in the hearts of her family and bring comfort for years to come.
She woke each day with a beautiful smile, grateful to be alive and thankful for another day with her husband by her side. She found her greatest peace in the simplest moments: quiet days at home with her husband and pets, listening to music, sharing space, and simply being together.
Sandy held a deep and enduring faith, and a steadfast certainty that she would one day be reunited with her beloved family and pets. It feels fitting that her final gift to those she loved was choosing December 21 to leave this part of her journey behind.
Across many cultures and faith traditions, December 21-the winter solstice-has long symbolized transition rather than an ending. It is the longest night of the year, the moment when darkness is deepest, yet the return of light has already begun.
Sandra's passing on this day feels like her quiet reassurance that her leaving us is not forever, but an inevitable brief passage. Though she is no longer here physically, she remains with us-in treasured memories, in the way we love one another, and in the values she planted so deeply within our family.
In lieu of flowers, Sandra's family asks those who knew and loved her to honor her by choosing to be a little more like Nana Sandy. Love your family deeply and with intention. Make memories together and cherish them as gifts to one another. "Time really goes by too fast," she often said- so appreciate every moment you have, as she did. Wear a bit of bling, or maybe even some red lipstick. Uplift others. Speak up. Let your voice be heard. Be kind. Be loving. Be patient. Be strong. Cuddle the babies close to you as often as you can. Fight for every blessed moment you are given with those you love.
Sandra's death has left an immeasurable emptiness in our family-we will forever be missing a profound piece of our hearts. We miss her deeply. And at the same time, we carry the comfort of knowing she is still with us in the ways that matter, and the hope that this separation is not forever-that we will see her again