Cover photo for Joan Hayes's Obituary
Joan Hayes Profile Photo
1929 Joan 2021

Joan Hayes

August 26, 1929 — April 7, 2021

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.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joan Hayes, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

6:00 - 8:00 pm

The Donohue Funeral Home - West Chester

1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Visitation

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

9:00 - 10:00 am

The Donohue Funeral Home - West Chester

1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Mass

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Starts at 10:30 am

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Interment

1600 Sproul Road

, Springfield, PA 19064

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 80

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree