Marie Hayes 93, of Audubon, Pennsylvania and formerly of Orlando, Florida passed away peacefully on September 7, 2023. She was born November 13, 1929, in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from Normandy High School. Marie lost her mother when she was only 10 years old and was raised by her aunt, Marie Dwire.
She was an accomplished dancer and met her future husband, Jim, after auditioning in Chicago for a position in a musical performance group. After Marie was offered the job as a featured dancer, she and Jim toured the country performing with the Wayne King Orchestra. Jim proposed to Marie atop the roof of the Chase Hotel which had special meaning as a place they performed together early in their career. They were married on October 30, 1954. They were blessed with two children, Daniel Clayton (Susan) Hayes, Pennsylvania and Maura Hayes, New York City and two grandchildren, Erin Hayes, Cambridge, United Kingdom and James Caimin Hayes, Missouri.
Marie was a friend to everyone, and she loved entertaining in her home. Whether it was a birthday, a baseball team’s victory celebration, a “Royal” dance performance party, or just friends for dinner, Marie cooked a feast, and her table and food presentations were worthy of a magazine cover!
Jim often referred to their home as a “happy, active and spirited” place. Marie and Jim were incredibly involved in their children’s lives. They never missed a baseball game or dance recital, and when they were blessed with grandchildren, they traveled to Pennsylvania to see Caimin’s athletic endeavors and Erin’s dance and theater performances.
Marie and Jim were the life of the party, always together, laughing and joking, making memories with dear friends. They were inseparable and celebrated 60 years of marriage in October 2014. Jim passed away 6 months later, and Marie lost the love of her life. Every day Jim shared a kiss with his wife followed by an “I love you”. Knowing they are finally reunited, dancing in each other’s arms again, brings the family great peace.
Marie prayed the rosary daily and was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. A celebratory Mass will be held at 11am Wednesday, October 25 at Holy Family Catholic Church-Daily Chapel, 5125 S. Apopka Vineland Rd., Orlando, FL 32819. The family will receive friends earlier at 10:30am in the same location.
Following the Mass, lunch with a ‘champagne toast’ will be served, before all are invited to Marie's interment nearby at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd., Gotha, FL 34734.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the “Music Ministry”, Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando, FL 32821.
Fond memories & condolences for the Hayes Family may be shared in the online guest book below.
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