Obituary of Barbara Ann Hayes

Barbara Anne (Soper) Hayes passed away unexpectedly @ Lahey Medical Center Monday afternoon, March 12, at 84 years old. The devoted & beloved wife of 37 years to late Robert Joseph Hayes, who passed in 1998. Born in Boston, Barbara was the daughter of Canadian immigrants, Allan & Mary Soper of Winthrop. Being raised in Winthrop, the ocean was Barbara's playground. The love of boating & the ocean has been passed along to not only her children but, also her grand & great grandchildren. The Pleasant Park Yacht Club brought grand memories including diving off the roof & its many wonderful social events. Barbara went to work, after high school in Winthrop @ University Travel Agency in Harvard Square, Cambridge, where she was able to travel to such enchanting destinations as London, Paris and Switzerland to name a few. Barbara met her husband Bob when his tour in the army brought him to her grandmother’s boarding house, after passing her approval, he was able to meet Barbara. The rest became her history. Married in June 1962, they came to settle in Burlington. Barbara always welcomed all into her home. Holidays were a special time to share with family and friends. One Christmas Barbara included 12 gentleman from China, in a traditional holiday dinner. Several have visited throughout the years. Barbara's love and devotion for her family was priority. Volunteering in classrooms, Brownies through Cub Scouts, her devotion to her family knew no limits. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for her family. Barbara continued her love for travel as she guided Bob around the country with paper maps no less. Yellow Stone, Mount Rushmore & Fort Wilderness & Disney a whooping 6x. Barbara cherished seeing the Tall Ships in 1976 in Boston from her dads boat the &quote;Sunbeam.&quote; Barbara was a woman of deep faith and was a longtime and active member of the United Church of Christ Congregational. It was her faith that helped her when tragedy struck the Hayes family in 2001 when her son Rob was killed tragically on September 11, 2001. Rob was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11. Rob's death brought great sorrow to Barbara and her daughter Pam. Barbara will be remembered for the many qualities that shaped her personality. She was warm, engaging, loving, caring and kind. Always a lady with a strong fashion sense. Always an ear to listen. She will be missed greatly by her daughter Pam, her grandchildren, great grandchildren and the many family and friends she brought her warmth and love to. Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Robert J. Loving and cherished mom of Pamela Hayes & her significant other Kevin Raymond of Winchendon and the late Robert J. Proud grandmother of Manuel Caiado & his wife Victoria, Michael Caiado & his fiancé Donna Moore, Robert Hayes & Ryan Hayes. Great grandmother of Jacob, Maxwell and Emmaline. Sister of the late Ken Soper. Sister-in-law of Joan Soper of NH and Katherine Jerde of Iowa. Barbara is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held at the United Church of Christ of Congregational, 6 Lexington St., Burlington on Monday, March 19 at 10 a.m. Burial to follow in Shawsheen Cemetery, Bedford. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Sunday, March 18 from 2-5 p.m. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Memorials in Barbara’s name may be made to the UCC Church, 6 Lexington St., Burlington, MA 01803