December 24, 1940 - July 9, 2025
With heavy hearts, we prepare to say goodbye to Mary O’Connor Hayes, who passed away peacefully after a long and courageous journey with dementia. A devoted daughter, sister, wife,loving mother of five, proud grandmother, and cherished friend, Mary’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, deep compassion, and enduring love.
Mary was born on December 24, 1940, in Dublin, Ireland, and raised in Galway, Ireland by her parents Martin and Mary O’Connor. She was the youngest of three children and is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Paddy and John O’Connor. Her Irish heritage was a source of deep pride, and her grace, wit, and quiet strength reflected the spirit of her homeland.
Mary was married for 57 years to the love of her life, Brendan Hayes, who preceded her in death in 2020. Together, they shared a beautiful life filled with love, travel, and adventure. Mary also had a deep fondness for dogs, who were her loyal companions through the years. Mary was the beloved mother of five children: David Hayes (Connie), Marion Hayes, Carol Hayes Ference (Steve), Colleen Hayes Winslette (Brandt), and daughter-in-law Suzanna Hayes Lyle (Ken).
She was preceded in death by her cherished son, Bobby Hayes, in 2013.
Mary is survived by her grandchildren: Patrick Hayes, Natalie Hayes, Josie Hayes, Brooke Ference, Jake Ference, Kathleen Epich (Luke), Walker Winslette, Olivia Winslette, Mary Kate Hayes Nichols (Tripp), and Sara Ann Hayes.
In 1968, Mary and her husband Brendan emigrated to Canada with their children, and in 1979, the family settled in the United States. No matter where she lived, Mary created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and open arms. Her infectious laugh filled the room, and she became the heart and soul of her family. Her sweet, gentle, and loving nature will be deeply missed. A woman of profound Catholic faith, Mary was deeply devoted to daily Mass and the rosary. Her faith was the foundation of her life and a source of great comfort to her family. Even as dementia affected her memory, she could still recite a full Mass and sing along with the hymns.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Statesboro, Georgia on Monday, July 21st, at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate Mary’s life and faith. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for lunch and share memories at the home of her daughter, Colleen Winslette.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to The Lodge at Bethany or Ogeechee Area Hospice, in gratitude for the compassionate care she received.
Family and friends can sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory of Statesboro, are in charge of the arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary, please visit our floral store.