Jean Marie Hayes, a longtime resident of the Fonda-Johnstown area, died Friday, November 24, in her home after a long illness.
Born in 1947 as Jean Marie Myers in Carthage, New York. She was raised in Fonda, New York and attended Fonda-Fultonville School District.
She worked as a Baker at Price Chopper in Johnstown for many years, a Home Health Aide for the elderly, and finally for the Montgomery County Mental Health Association as a Residence Counselor until her retirement.
Jean was an active member of her community as Secretary for Kiwanis Club of Fonda-Fultonville and a member of the VFW in Fonda, volunteering her time for many worthy charitable activities and events.
She loved the ocean, shopping, sitting down with a good book and socializing with friends and family. Jean had a wonderful smile that could light up a room. She was a devoted wife and mother of three children and four stepchildren.
Preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Eula Myers; her siblings, Bruce Myers, Nancy Myers and Sherry Freeman; as well as her first husband, William VanAlstyne.
Jean is survived by her childhood sweetheart and husband, Robert E. Hayes, who lovingly took care of her during her long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease; as well as her sister, Denise Douglas (Barry), who shared in the responsibility of her care; her sons, Thomas VanAlstyne (Lisa), William Hayes (Nomava); and daughter, Lori Teetz; stepchildren, Charles VanAlstyne (Amy), Bart Hayes, Brett Hayes (Erin) and Cereda Hayes; siblings, Kathy Kilmartin (Edward), Richard Myers (Bonnie) and David Myers. She also has 14 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service with a reception following will be held at 6:00 p.m. on November 30, 2017, at the Fonda Reformed Church in Fonda, NY with Pastor Jenni Yeske presiding. Memorial gifts in Jean’s honor can be made to Hospice Foundation of America, 1707 L St. NW Suite 220, Washington, DC 20036 or (800) 854-3402.
