Mary Patricia (Pat) Hayes “Crossed the Stream” on August 31st, 2023. Her final moments were spent smiling and laughing, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had the opportunity to chat with lifelong friends, reminiscing and having quite a few laughs about her rambunctious days growing up in Kearney Ontario.
Pat was born on June 10, 1939 in the small town of Kearney, Ontario. She was the daughter of Mel and Mary Reeds (both predeceased). Pat grew up on the Magnetawan River and loved being on or near water. She would fish before school and paddle canoes or row boats with her dear sister Beverley (predeceased) and her friends as often as they could. Pat and her gang could often be found hanging out at Belfoy’s store, drinking sodas and whiling away the summer. That’s where she fell for the charms of a handsome young lad by the name of Oran Hayes (predeceased). They were married, and together raised four children; Michael, Richard, Patti-Anne and Terence.
Railroading eventually brought Pat and Oran to Capreol, Ontario, where they laid down roots for many years. Pat was very active in softball, and had a reputation for being the fiercest pitcher in the league (Go Sunrays!). Pat loved to be active, enjoying square-dancing, curling, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
Once again the railroad called, and Pat and Oran spent a few short years in Hornepayne and Oshawa. Eventually their train tracks led back to Capreol, where Pat and Oran settled and retired.
Throughout her senior years Pat continued to curl and help out at the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum. A little known fact, Pat was a big fan of Star Trek, especially the Jean-Luc Picard era! Pat always enjoyed her adventures with the Red Hats, and cherished her friends at 36 Coulson. She truly loved her annual summer vacation on Manitoulin Island, happiest to play ladder ball and be by water once again.
Pat will be dearly missed by so very many, yet her legacy will carry on, her family will make sure of it!
Pat is survived by her 4 children: Michael (Debbie), Richard (Patty), Patti-Anne (Steve) & Terence (Julie); her 10 grandchildren: Samantha (Dennis), Christine (John), Cheryl, Shawna, Julie (Matt), Tyrell, Jamie Lynn, Logan (Michelle), Reed & Jake and her 9 great-grandchildren: Kylie, Justin, Alex. Eric, Jacob, Josh, Garen, Quinn and Cole
A celebration of Pat’s life will be held in Kearney, Ontario in the Spring of 2024.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the NeoKids Foundation would be greatly appreciated. https://neokidsfoundation.ca
We were very sad to hear of our Aunt Pat’s passing last week but, heartened to hear she had family and friends with her to say goodbye. Please accept our very heartfelt condolences on the passing of a very special person in our Aunt Pat. We all have very fond memories growing up, of our only Aunt and Uncle, Pat and Oran, as they came to visit or celebrate holidays and we could spend time with our cousins- Mike, Richie, Patti-Anne and later Terry. Aunt Pat was active and had very infectious happy spirit and laugh. On more than a few occasions, Pat was even adventurous enough to go skiing in the winter when Oran dragged us with a tow rope behind the car. When job opportunities took Pat and family north to Capreol, we cherished even more the visits they would make to Kearney to see family. To our cousins and friends, remember every once in a while, the world is graced with an exceptionally special person, and your mother was one of those people. The lives of those who were lucky enough to know her are forever changed for the better. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Aunt Pat was an incredible woman, and she will be intensely missed.
September 7, 2023
Dear Rich and Patty. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Sounds like you mom lived a wonderful life. So many great memories to cherish. Hugs.
September 7, 2023
We will cherish every moment we had with you.
September 6, 2023
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Aunt Pat. I remember very fondly her hearty laugh and Uncle Oran’s quick wit. We were always happy to see our only Aunt, Uncle and cousins Mike, Richard, Patti-Anne and Terence come for a visit in Kearney. We will keep you in our thoughts and hope to see you in Kearney in the Spring.
Warmest regards, Crystal and Romain.
September 6, 2023
Dear Rich and Patty, I’m so very sorry to learn of Rich’s Mom’s passing. You have my deepest sympathy.
Thinking of you.
September 6, 2023