Kathleen A. Hays

1947 - 2024

Kathleen 'Kathy' A. Hays, 77, of Latrobe, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2024, in Barnes Place, Latrobe. She was born Jan. 29, 1947, in Latrobe, the daughter of the late Donald C. and Catherine (Graham) Hays. A graduate of Latrobe High School and Presbyterian University Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, she pursued her BSN and her Masters in Nursing with a clinical specialty in oncology at the University of Pittsburgh. In 1972, as the head nurse at the Presbyterian University Hospital, she opened the first hematology/oncology unit in the region at the hospital. It was dedicated to caring for patients and families with leukemia and other hematologic malignancies. The patient unit later moved to Montefiore Hospital and UPMC Shadyside and included patients enrolled on Phase I clinical trials and receiving stem cell transplants. She was a founding member of the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society and co-founder of Camp Raising Spirits, an adult weekend getaway camp. Recruited by her mentor, Dr. Lawrence D. Ellis, she joined the Western PA Board of Trustees of The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society (formerly Leukemia Society of America). Her focus was to improve the quality of life for patients and families through research, professional education, and patient assistance, and served a term as chapter president. She was elected to the National Board of Trustees, where she served for 20 years. She organized educational seminars for nurses and other health professionals across the country. She had the privilege of co-founding the Patient Services program, which included support groups, the First Connection, financial assistance, and patient education. Her volunteerism with the society was at 40+ years. Kathy was a member of Latrobe United Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon and on the session. She was also an avid University of Pittsburgh basketball fan and longtime season ticket holder. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, William Nelson Hays, and his wife, Helena. She is survived by many loving and caring friends, nieces, and nephews, including her nephew Mark Hays (Deanna) and his children Caitlin Foskett (Evan) and Alex Hays, and great-great-nieces Lily and Leah, all of Santa Rosa, CA. A heartfelt thank you is extended to Independence Health Hospice Care, especially Connie and Kaylee, for their dedication, and to the caring staff at Barnes Place for all of their help. A memorial gathering and service will be held at Latrobe United Presbyterian Church in late July (date and time will be announced). Memorial contributions may be made to Latrobe United Presbyterian Church, 340 Spring St., Latrobe, PA 15650, The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society of Western PA, 333 E Carson St. # 441E, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, online at www.lls.org, or to your own public library. The Hartman-Graziano Funeral Home, Inc. in Latrobe has been entrusted with the arrangements. To post an online condolence, please visit www.hartman-grazianofuneralhome.com