Anna Jeannine Hayes

Anna Jean Hayes, affectionately know as Jean Hayes passed away from pneumonia on September 30th 2017. She had suffered for a year with complications from a broken leg. Although we would like to think it was from dancing around the deck of a cruise ship, it was unfortunately due to a stumble while completing the mundane task of cleaning her home- a fact that would have annoyed her greatly.

She was born on December 27, 1931 in Jacksonville Florida to Dewey and Violet Smith. At the time of her death she was 85 and until her accident she was living on her own, caring for her home, driving and routinely playing cards and games with her cherished girlfriends. She also enjoyed an occasional visit to the lovely neighbors for a chat and a glass of wine. In her home she enjoyed cards, games and television along with reading. She often said that had she been a few years younger she may have discovered “gaming” and never gotten off the couch. Instead, Matlock and Magnum PI reruns along with numerous books kept her busy. She enjoyed traveling and cruising until she hung up her traveling shoes two years ago with a final trip to Maui, Hawaii. She travelled to Mexico, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii and all over the continental United States to give them a little bit of Jean. She lived in Florida, Rhode Island, Illinois, California and finally Arizona.

She was tremendously proud of her family. Her first marriage, the trial one which was later returned, was to Joe Schaefer Jr. where they had four children. After their divorce they remained friends and after they were both widowed actually traveled together-once. It seems the return was a good idea! She is survived by Jeannine (Tim who was returned, but still part of us), Ann (Rick), and Joann (Phil). She was proceeded in death by her first husband Joe and first-born son John (Sheila). Her second marriage was to Archie Hayes, and the one that stuck. Oh did Archie bring her joy, and an additional four grown children to be proud of. She was proceeded in death by Archie and his first-born son Dale (Linda) and is survived by Jimmy (Joan), Gary (Connie) and Patty (Don, deceased). All in, there are 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild!

Jean enjoyed pets of all kinds but was especially fond of cats! At one time she did however have a bird, a salamander, a dog and a cat. Don’t ask which one established themselves at the top of the food chain. She was at heart a true cat lady and at no point in her life did she ever go without one to keep her company. Listing their names would be a challenge not for the faint of heart.

She was tremendously supportive to numerous charities, specifically those centered around the military and animals. She loved this country and all the rights and blessing attributed to it and was grateful to those who served. It is in acknowledgement of her love of animals and her support of veterans that the following charities have been chosen for memorials:

Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society

This organization meets many different immediate needs of sailors and marines while helping them reach long-term financial independence.

www.nmcrs.org

By Mail:

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

Attn: Development

875 N. Randolph St. Ste 225

Arlington, VA 22203

Puppies Behind Bars

This organization works with inmates to raise and train puppies to become service dogs for wounded veterans.

www.puppiesbehindbars.com

Donate by phone: 212-680-9562, M-F 9am-5pm EST

By Mail:

Puppies Behind Bars

263 West 38th St. 4th Floor

New York NY 10018

Alley Cat Allies

This is the only international advocacy organization that is dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of cats.

www.alleycat.org

Donate by phone: 1-866-309-6207

By Mail:

PO Box 98179

Washington DC 20077-7140

Jean never claimed to be perfect but was the last person to find fault with anyone else. She truly believed no one should be judged because you never know what their path was in life. She was kind and although she had frequent health challenges, she always could muster up a smile and chuckle for you. She would want this obituary to be funny and for us to raise a glass to her and not be sad for too long.

Please join us for a celebration of her life at Sunland Memorial Park 15826 N Del Webb Blvd. Sun City, Saturday November 4 at 2:00pm with a catered reception with wine for a toast!