Loy F. Hayes

Loy F. (Mackin) Hayes, died peacefully in her West Hartford home of 58 years with her children present on August 28, 2014. Loy was born in Millinocket, ME on Christmas Eve, 1921, the daughter of George and Grace (Cummings) Mackin. Her family moved to Hartford when she was young, though always returned to Maine for a summer vacation with her Cummings cousins. Loy graduated from Weaver High School in 1939 having made an 8-woman cheerleading squad out of 101 applicants. She loved to skate at Elizabeth Park and fell in love with her future husband, William J. (Bill) Hayes. They were married in January 1946 following his return from WWII and built a successful local business leasing coin laundry equipment. In 1956 they moved to West Hartford in a home they designed and raised their two children, Mary Ann and Steven. Loy devoted herself to her family, supporting her husband and encouraging her children and grandchildren. Their friends were always welcome in her home and treated like family. She and Bill were active Roman Catholics, proud to be among the founding members of St. Peter Claver parish. Loy was known for her quiet, insightful sense of humor and personal strength, especially after becoming a widow in 1989. Remarkably, she remained living independently in her home until this summer, thanks largely to her fantastic neighbors, the Dunn-Kirklins, Lissitzyns and Berkowitzes, who provided cheerful support and security over many years. Loy was very grateful for their presence, and prayed that none of them would move. Loy actively followed current events and worked to maintain her health. Notably she enrolled herself in a computer class during her seventies and walked regularly at West Farms Mall until a back fracture in 2011 limited her mobility. She faithfully attended Tuesday exercise sessions at the Elmwood Community Center with her devoted friends Sharon Marosek and Lois Johnson, followed by lunch at Effie’s. The most exciting dates on her calendar were the West Hartford Symphony performances, where the exercise group reserved a table. On Fridays Loy looked forward to her 10 AM appointment with Pegi Romano at Step up to Beauty to have her hair done, socialize and enjoy the fantastic brownies. When at home Loy woke up to WTIC-AM radio each morning, and enjoyed watching pro golf, college basketball and major league baseball on TV. She was an avid fan of Phil Mickelson, the Lady Huskies and the Red Sox, finishing night games via her bedside radio. Loy also followed politics, frequently grumbling that Republicans were hopelessly outnumbered in CT. She could get quite animated, and sported a hysterical parody of Nancy Pelosi. But no doubt her favorite days were those including visits by her grandchildren, anxious to hear about Billy’s new job and Sarah’s plans for college. Loy enjoyed a long life. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Bill and sister/lifelong best friend Judy, who have been greatly missed each day since their passing. Besides her children, she leaves two grandchildren, William (Billy) and Sarah Hayes, Mary Ann’s partner Larry Ward and daughter-in-law Jane (Hoidge) Hayes, Jane’s mother, sisters and brother-in-law, as well as 12 nieces and nephews and their families whom she enjoyed immensely throughout the years. Loy’s family wishes to express their deepest gratitude and admiration to the neighbors, friends and extraordinary health care providers who worked tirelessly and cheerfully to enhance the quality of Loy’s life over the last several years. Doctors Sharon Tan, Edward Salerno and especially Kathleen Kennedy, supported by their professional teams, went above and beyond in caring for Loy with great skill and friendliness as she aged. Standout institutions include St. Francis Hospital and its Pulmonary Rehab Center (Mary Lou Connors), BrightStar Care (Shamya Douglas & Yesenia Ayala), Comfort Keepers (Shameka Anderson), The Reservoir (particularly Michelle, Kim, Andrea, Amanda, Yaci, Georgia and Clarissa), and Masonicare Home Health and Hospice (particularly physical therapist Paula Marino and Cathy Maurer, Loy’s lead hospice nurse). A Funeral Mass will be held in Loy’s honor on Sept. 13 at 9:00 AM at St. Peter Claver Church, 47 Pleasant St., West Hartford. The service will be followed by a social hour at the parish hall, where Loy’s children look forward to sharing fond memories and reconnecting with all who are able to attend. Those who wish to may then accompany the family to a brief graveside service at Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to FOODSHARE (www.foodshare.org or 450 Woodland St, Bloomfield, CT 06002) or The American Lung Association (www.lung.org). Expressions of sympathy may be placed on line at www.molloyfuneralhome.com or mailed to Loy’s family at 84 High Farms Rd., W. Hartford, CT 06107.