Susan Jane Hayes

Susan Jane Hayes, a beloved mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend, passed away surrounded by her devoted family at her home on Granite Lake on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the age of 61. She had fought an intense 10-month battle with triple negative breast cancer in the same way that she had lived her life – with courage, tenacity, and determination. Susan had many special qualities that endeared her to so many people throughout her life – her strong will, trademark humor, fun-loving nature, and so much more. She was an undeniable force in all that she did. Susan had a distinct style that she embedded into the houses she made home over the years, as well as her children's homes. Susan was always the life of the party with her characteristic charm and her appreciation for good food and drink. Her adventurous spirit led her to enjoy boating in Boston Harbor, attending many concerts, and traveling near and far with her family. Her family will forever cherish memories made on a trip to Ireland in December 2023, where she expertly poured her own Guinness. Born on October 15, 1963 to Irmgard and Richard Randall, Susan was raised in Keene, NH with her sister and three brothers. Susan was an active and adventurous child – with a rebellious streak that she never outgrew. She was always out and about in their east Keene neighborhood with her siblings and many childhood friends. During her senior year at Keene High School, Susan met her husband of 41 years, Michael Joseph Hayes III (fittingly when she was at a party he was dispatched to disband). They were married on July 9, 1983 in Keene and immediately began to build and plan for their life together. Susan, never afraid of tackling a challenge, persuaded her boss at Keene Savings Bank to finance her and Michael in purchasing their first home, a foreclosed house on Gilsum Street in Keene that Susan and Michael would thoroughly restore. They quickly started a family together, welcoming their two children, Kelly and Mikey, to the world. Susan and Michael moved to Stoddard, NH, where Susan helped her husband Michael start Hayes Car & Truck Repair, which continues to serve the local community today. In 1987, Susan and Michael purchased a home on Granite Lake in Munsonville, NH, their homestead of now 38 years. Granite Lake was a wonderful place to raise their family as they spent time swimming, boating, exploring Blueberry Island, and snowmobiling in the wintertime. Susan's parents, Dick and Irma, were a constant presence in their life at Granite Lake, as were many family members and lifelong friends. Together, Susan and Michael embraced life as dedicated parents of their children, opening every door possible for them. While young parents themselves, they welcomed Michael's youngest brother Andrew to live with them. As Susan's children grew up and found their own partners and married, Susan fully embraced Scott and Katie into her life, greatly enjoying time spent as a family, whether at Granite Lake, her children's homes, or on family outings. Susan often commented about the great joy she found in "growing up with" her kids. Simply put, Susan loved her family fiercely and without bounds. Animals were also a constant presence in Susan's home, and she always treasured the pets that found their way into her life. Her big heart led her to adopt many beloved dogs and cats over the years. Cats especially seemed to make their way to her home, seemingly knowing that they would live their best lives with her. Kelly and Scott's rescue dog brought Susan much comfort and entertainment in recent years. Susan was passionate about making sure people were treated fairly and with compassion. She had a natural gift for caregiving. She cared for her father when he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis until his passing, a time during which she began her healthcare career. Susan went on to work as a medical assistant at Cheshire Medical Center and later as a private caretaker. She bravely returned to school at the age of 53, graduating with honors from the St. Joseph School of Nursing. Susan loved being a student and, unsurprisingly, quickly made friends with her classmates from all walks of life. She immediately immersed herself in a full-time nursing position with Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services (HCS), where she worked for three rewarding years. While her time with HCS was cut short, she nevertheless made a lasting impact on her colleagues and patients alike during this very fulfilling time in her life. Susan was very proud of being a registered nurse, even completing her continuing education requirements while receiving chemotherapy this past fall. Susan is profoundly missed by her husband, Michael J. Hayes III of Munsonville, and her loving children, Kelly Hamshaw and Michael C. Hayes, and their respective spouses Scott Hamshaw of Bristol, VT and Kaitlyn Hayes of Keene. She is also survived by her mother, Irmgard Randall of Keene, and her siblings, Peter Race and his wife, Laurie, of Swanzey; Christine Lombard and her husband, Michael, of Manchester; Mark Randall and his wife, Michelle, of Keene; and Richard Randall and his wife, Amy, of Chesterfield; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She was predeceased by her father, Richard B. Randall, who passed on July 27, 2009. Susan's family is deeply grateful for the excellent care she received at the Dartmouth Cancer Center in Lebanon, NH, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, and the ProCure Proton Radiation Therapy Center in New Jersey. Her former colleagues from Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services (HCS) brought much solace during Susan's final days. Per Susan's wishes, a celebration of life will be held later this summer. A private burial will be held at the Dow Hill Cemetery in Stoddard. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services, Donate - Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services https://www.hcsservices.org/donate/ and the Granite Lake Association (mail to 701 Granite Lake Rd, Munsonville, NH 03457). All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.