Joan Hayes

Joan Viola Hayes (née Oates), 91, of West Chester, PA and formerly of Newtown Square, PA passed away on April 7, 2021.

Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1929, she was the daughter of the late John and Josephine (née Riordan) Oates.

Joan was the beloved wife of the late Martin P. Hayes; loving mother of Martin J. Hayes, Susan J. Hayes (Jerry Oberst), Jacqueline “Jackie” Spada (Paul), David J. Hayes (Elaine) and Joan E. Hayes (John Hendricks); devoted grandmother of 10 grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her siblings, Johanna “Joey” Cassidy, Barbara “Bobbi” McLaughlin, Patricia Welch, Francis Oates, William “Bootsie” Oates and Jackie Massaro.

Joan reveled in family, friends, neighbors and strangers, alike. She lived for conversations and adventures she shared with all, including trips to her beloved Philadelphia, the rolling hills of Lancaster, and the latest destination of the Starr Bus Tours. An avid reader, her interests spanned the headlines of the Philadelphia Inquirer to the musings of the Dalai Lama. Ever expanding her mind and spirit, she loved bridge, the New York Times Sunday Crossword, and the arts with equal fervor.

But most important to Joan was her faith, and this legacy she leaves to those who meant the most to her, her children and grandchildren. Time with them trumped all in her heart and with them she was closest to God.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Viewing 6:00 - 8:00 PM Tuesday evening, April 13, 2021 and Wednesday morning 9:00 - 10:00 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382, 610-431-9000 followed by her Funeral Mass 10:30 AM at SS Simon & Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Ct, West Chester, PA. Interment SS Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to Barclay Friends Senior Living, Staff Appreciation Fund , 700 N. Franklin St., West Chester, PA 19380 and Willow Tree Hospice (Amedisys), 616 E Cypress St, Kennett Square, PA 19348, https://www.amedisys.com/services/hospice-care/volunteers-and-donations/ . The family would like to offer our sincere gratitude to all of the staff of Barclay Friends and Willow Tree Hospice for the exceptional care provided.