Ann Hayes

Ann Marie Hayes

Westport, WA

Ann Marie Hayes of Westport, WA formerly of Avoca, MI died on March 21, 2015.

Born November 24, 1929, Ann treasured the simple joys and memories from life on her parents' (William and Mae Brennan) family farm near Avoca, MI. 

She committed to full-time motherhood raising Larry (Laura) Hayes, Kevin (Bernadette) Hayes, Christine (Dwight) Schaeffer, John (Lori) Hayes, Sheila (Chuck) Beckman, Kurt (Amy) Hayes, Monica (Kevin) Todd, Jeff (Amy) Hayes, and Becky (Neil) Hartenburg.  Twenty-five years ago, she lost her son Garret and his wife Lisa, and her beloved grandson G.J.  in a tragic car accident.  Soon afterwards her husband John "Jack" Hayes died (Coca-Cola employee).  Jack was her WWII US Army hero, to whom she remained forever faithful.  Each were welcomed into eternal joy by baby daughter Patty, who died in 1959, Ann's 5th of 11 children, Ann is survived by two of seven siblings, Charles (Maggie, dec) Brennan and Sr. Lorraine Brennan; 22 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Her deceased brothers and their spouses Bill (Betty, liv), Jerry (Ann, liv), Gene (Sharon, dec), and sisters Eleanore (Mike, dec) Mahar, and Rose (Roger, dec) McClelland were blessings in this world and constant reminders of comfort to come in the next. 

Ann died March 21, 2015 in Westport, WA, cared for by family around the clock throughout her last few difficult  weeks, up to and including the equanimity of her final triumphant moment. A petite and beautiful woman, Ann's strength of will, her unending determination and bravery in times of trial, and her unwavering faith in Christ, the power of the Rosary, and the communion of saints leaves us a towering legacy and a spiritual path to follow.  She was not only a sister, a wife, a mother, and grandmother, but a doctor, a teacher, a counselor, a friend, and everything good to every person she encountered. Memorials in her name may be made to the Adrian Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1257 E. Siena Hts. Dr., Adrian, MI 49221  

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams as celebrant.  The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns on Friday, March 17, 2015, 2-8 P.M.  A Vigil service will be prayed at 7:00 P.M.