Judith W. "Judy Williams" Hayes

Judith "Judy" A. (Williams) Hayes, 86, of Marlborough, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at home.

Judy, lovingly known as Mom, Grammy, Gram-Gram and Aunt Judy, was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, the daughter of the late Willard Sterling and Zetta (Lloyd) Williams.

Judy was raised in Pennsylvania with her two older brothers, David L. and Robert S. Williams, who predeceased her. After high school, she graduated from Albright College with a degree in Home Economics.

She used her degree to begin her career at Stouffer's Food Corporation. She became a well-traveled manager in the food services industry, combining her love for cooking, baking, and traveling.

She eventually settled down and married the love of her life, Brian Joseph Hayes. They lived a fulfilling life in Marlborough, MA, enjoying such activities as playing golf, cards, and all things that were family oriented. They were happily married for 37 years before his passing in May of 2012.

They raised their two children in Marlborough where she worked as an Instructional Aide in the Marlborough Public School System for 23 years. She then continued her work with children in a daycare setting at Meadowbrook Child Garden. Post retirement, she used the lessons learned in her career to teach the pride and joys of her life (her grandchildren) to bake, read, and play cards.

She enjoyed being active and was engaged in her community through playing pickleball with many beloved friends, playing cards at the senior center and in the neighborhood with her bridge club. You could often also find her at the library or relaxing at home with a good book. Of course, all of this had to be scheduled around the activities of her grandchildren. Judy spent countless hours at their various sporting events and activities, always supporting them and cheering them on. Spending time with and checking in on people was an integral part of her life and she was blessed with a wide social circle who reciprocated the love and care she gave.

Judy is survived by her daughter Linda L. Wood of Marlborough, her son Michael S. Hayes and his wife Hillary of Olney, MD; her 5 grandchildren: Ryan Wood, Justin Wood, Joseph Hayes, Jessica Hayes, and Jillian Hayes as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 from 5-7 pm in the Short & Rowe Funeral Home, 95 W. Main St., Marlborough, MA

A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 11 am in Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson St., Marlborough, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to the Marlborough Public Library, 35 W. Main St., Marlborough, MA 01752