Ellen A Hayes

Ellen A. Hayes, 74, of Potsdam passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Canton-Potsdam Hospital on August 20, 2025 after a long battle with cancer.

Ellen was born Ellen Mallory on October 9, 1950, in Rochester, NY, to the late Donald Mallory and Marion Comerford Mallory. After graduating from Penfield High School in 1968, Ellen received her bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1972 and her master’s degree in teaching from SUNY Potsdam in 1978.

Ellen married Daniel J. Hayes on May 24, 1975 in Rochester, NY. Ellen and Dan recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Ellen was a reading teacher at Norwood-Norfolk Elementary School for a number of years. Ellen subsequently dedicated her life to raising her four wonderful children and became heavily involved in various charitable organizations. She was a central member of the Sandstoner Foundation, which provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to Potsdam High School seniors. She also served as the treasurer of the Knight Club and helped raise thousands of dollars to support the Clarkson men’s hockey team.

Ellen is survived by her husband, Daniel Hayes, of Potsdam; four children: Emily Hayes of New York City, Daniel (Lisa) Hayes of East Williston, Christopher (Lindsay MacKenzie) Hayes of Spokane, WA, and Steven Hayes of Potsdam; three grandchildren: Allison, Andrew, and William; two siblings: Joan Bamann of Fairport and Richard (Helen) Mallory of Fairport; and her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Willow.

Ellen was predeceased by her parents and her brother, James Mallory.

Ellen valued kindness, knowledge, education, and her family above all else. Her values will endure in her children, grandchildren, and everyone else she influenced during her lifetime.

Ellen loved spending time with her family, watching the New York Mets and other sports, reading, watching movies and television shows, sitting with her dog Willow, and spending time each summer at her family’s cottage.

The Hayes family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and friends who provided care and comfort to Ellen during her illness.

Calling hours will be held at Garner’s Funeral Home on August 23, 2025 from 1-4.

A celebration of life will be held afterwards at Sergi’s Banquet Hall. All friends of Ellen are welcome to attend.

Friends of Ellen are encouraged to make a donation to a scholarship fund that will be set up in her name. A scholarship will be awarded each year to a local high school senior who possesses the same values as Ellen. Donations can be made care of Steven Hayes at 19 Hamilton Street, Potsdam, NY 13676. Contributions can also be made in her memory to the Center for Cancer Care, Potsdam.