Adele Hayes

1954 - 2025

Adele (Genazzi) Hayes passed away on July 29, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on August 13, 1954, to Louis and Josephine Genazzi, Adele graduated from Nerinx Hall High School in 1972. She then earned a BS in Communication Disorders from Saint Louis University, Administrative Certification from UMSL, and an MA in Education with a Counseling specialization from Washington University. Adele devoted over 40 years to education, serving as a teacher, administrator, and counselor. In her 25+ years at Kirkwood High School, she was an Assistant Principal, Guidance Chair, and later co-founded and directed the ATLAS program for at-risk students. After retiring from Kirkwood, she continued as a counselor at Visitation Academy until 2021. Throughout her career, she helped thousands of students complete high school and pursue their futures.

Adele had a wide circle of loyal friends and maintained contact with them until the end of her life. She was devoted to her family and delighted in spending time with them. Hers was a life full of joy and rich in meaningful relationships.

Adele is survived by her husband, Mark Hayes; their children, Sera Hayes and Louis Hayes; her brother, Steve Genazzi, and his wife Judy Milanovits; as well as numerous siblings-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Bopp Chapel, 10610 Manchester Rd., Kirkwood, MO 63122. Public visitation will take place from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by a service for family and friends at 3:00 p.m.