Obituary of Jeanette Hayes

Jeanette Hayes, a woman who loved and cared for her family her entire life and whom her family cared for in last years, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Saturday morning, February 20, 2016. She was 86 years old. Jeanette was born in Cambridge, the daughter of the late Warren and Myrtle Lee. She grew up in Medford and was a graduate of Medford High School. After World War II, she met a returning Veteran, William Hayes and they eventually married on April 4,1948. The newlyweds lived for a while in Medford and Boston before buying their first and only home in Burlington in 1957. She was a stay at home mother when her children where young and then as children went off to school she returned to the workforce as an technician for Microwave Corporation, later MA/COM for 30 years. Going back into the workforce had some challenges at first including finally getting her driver’s license at the age of 40. Her husband “Buddy” passed away in 1982 and Jeanette endured by being financially independent and keeping her strong family bond. Over the years her children and grandchildren would come and go, always knowing that she was always there to welcome them back. Jeanette had a very giving heart, giving to many animal and humanity charities. She had a large number of interests and hobbies. She was a member of several bowling teams over the years. She loved to crochet, needle point, knit, and sew. She loved working on crafts. She was a bit of a collector including stamps, Native American Indian art, wolf collectibles, and stuffed animals. She was a huge Bruins and Red Sox fan. She loved animals and always had dogs and cats running around her home. Her most recent dog, Kasey, was a great companion to her in her final years. She was an avid gardener. She grew tomatoes, many other vegetables and strawberries. She would spend hours in her garden working along her husband, Buddy, and then they would can their harvest to enjoy their produce during the winter months. But most importantly she was the glue that held her family together. She hosted all the holidays, loved everyone, and was there to comfort and guide them as children and as adults. In her final years, her family was able to return that love and compassion as they cared for her as she suffered from Alzheimer’s and other health issues, making sure that she could remain in her home into her finals days. Jeanette was the beloved wife of the late William Hayes. She was the loving mother of Christine Hasselman & her husband Donald of Scranton, PA, Cathie Hayes of Burlington, Cheryl Hayes-Cajina & her husband Eddie of Burlington, William Hayes, Jr. & his wife Carol of Plymouth, ME. She was predeceased by her siblings; Dorothy “Dottie” Cross, Mary Longfellow, Warren & Clyde Lee. She was the very proud grandmother of Richard Eric Hayes, Merissa & Rebekah Hasselman and the late Michelle Harrington. At Jeanette’s request, funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jeanette’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472 or VNA of Middlesex East Hospice, 607 North Ave, Suite 17, Wakefield, MA 01880. Arrangements by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, BURLINGTON. For online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net