Carol Hayes

Carol Troyer Hayes

Naples, FL

With us for 94 memorable years, Carol Troyer Hayes passed away on October 11, 2015. Born and raised in Ithaca, Michigan, she graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Music followed later by a Master's in Education. At MSU, she was violinist in the symphony orchestra and member of Alpha Phi sorority. Throughout her life Carol maintained memberships in the American Association of University Women and the Philanthropic Educational Organization.

In the Jackson, Michigan school system she first taught fifth grade, then middle school English and orchestra simultaneously, retiring in 1988. Married for 52 years to Donald Troyer, subsequently to Douglas Hayes, where they retired to southern Florida.

As a passionate educator and mentor, Carol inspired excellence from both her music and English students.

She is survived by her son, Bart Troyer (Nancy), Rochester Hills, MI; daughter, Barbara DePouw (Tom), Naples, FL; brother, Daniel Walcott (June), Sarasota, FL and Fort Wayne, IN; grandchildren, Brooke Rusnak (Edward), Chicago, IL; Grant Troyer, Chicago, IL; Michael DePouw (Samantha), Springfield, NJ; Dr. Stephanie Simmerman (Kevin), Naples, FL; and four great-grandchildren, Tripp and Parker Rusnak, Liliana DePouw, and newly born Alexander Simmerman.

Those who knew Carol have indelible memories of her. Her tenacious character was anchored by demonstrable confidence, with high expectations for all. She was self-reliant, independent, and a constant achiever. A true Renaissance woman, Carol's passion was classical music, followed by literature, bridge, interest in current events, and a fascination with high-tech gadgets. Her interest in self learning remained avid in later life. Her interest in music included many years in a string quartet in Jackson, followed by years of attending both the Sarasota Symphony and the Naples Symphony.

Her well rounded life included the daily crossword puzzle, playing bridge and cribbage, reading both novels and two daily newspapers, watching college football, and researching her myriad interests and curiosities on her iPad. Fishing in Canada for decades was a part of her many outdoor activities, notably including cross-country skiing.

Service will be at Bower Chapel, Moorings Park, 120 Moorings Park Drive, Naples, FL 34105, Friday, November 6, 2015, 4:00 PM - reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.