Patricia Walt Hays

Patricia (Pat) Walt Hays died peacefully at her home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on August 14, 2026. Pat was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1939, and graduated from Ursuline Academy. Pat’s parents were Ernest Joseph Walt and Naomi Anderson Walt.

An exceptional needle worker, Pat co-owned Needleworks in New Orleans and taught numerous classes in needlepoint and knitting. This expertise and passion led to Pat accumulating an extensive collection of cross-stitched samplers from the 1700’s and 1800’s.

One of Pat’s particular joys was antiquing with her late husband, William (Bill) Hays, especially in Brumfield, Massachusetts. Their antique knowledge was extensive in furniture, art and silver. Well known in the region, Pat sold Victorian antique jewelry for many years.

Another favorite pastime was traveling the world with Bill, and usually a group of friends, always ready for something new; seeing a solar eclipse in Australia, shopping in England, Scotland and China, barge cruising in France, visiting with Russian artists along the river, traveling by rail through Canada, or just enjoying the sights and dining in Italy.

Pat and Bill were lifelong members of the Southern Yacht Club of New Orleans and enjoyed celebrating the 4th of July by decorating their houseboat, “The Starlight Express” for the annual parade. The Yacht Club was also the setting for numerous rowdy Super Bowl parties. Pat was a masterful party host for Christmas, Mardi Gras and Engagement parties in both New Orleans and Baton Rouge, where the couple settled after Hurricane Katrina.

Pat is preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Auburn Hays, Jr. and daughter, Tracy Tooker Griswold. Family and friends would like to thank Pat’s wonderful caregivers at St James Place; Shaneka Williams, Doretha Bond, Annette Grimes and Sarah Andalib.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 1:00pm at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, followed by a Celebration of Life reception at the Southern Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Hospice of Baton Rouge would be appreciated.