Ethel V (Kelley) Hayes

Ethel V. Hayes of West Roxbury passed away peacefully on November 23, 2022 after 98 years of life.

Born in 1924 to parents Nicholas and Ethel Kelley, Ethel and her late sister Helen grew up in Charlestown. She worked for the War Department during the Second World War at the Charlestown Naval Yard.

After the War, she married Joseph Hayes (BFD). Together they had four children. Joseph (Joanne), Patricia, Robert (Lisa), and the late Mary Ellen.

Ethel was widowed young and never remarried. She raised her children in Roslindale and provided for them as a single mother working for the telephone company (now Verizon).

When her children were grown and she retired, Ethel boarded a plane for the first time in her life and embarked on many exciting adventures across the globe. She visited many beautiful destinations.

After hanging up her travel bags, Ethel settled into sewing, quilt making, reading, and watching The Bachelor and Dancing with the Stars!

She was a retiree member of the Telephone Pioneers and volunteered at the VA hospital and local food banks.

After not living in Charlestown for decades, she still considered herself a Townie.

Ethel is remembered fondly as “Nana Hayes” by her grandchildren Nicholas, Kelsey, and Vincent Hayes, and Kerry Miller. With heavy hearts, her children and grandchildren lovingly say goodbye to her kindness, generosity, and wisdom. Her long life is credited to her strong faith and loving nature.

Visiting hours in The Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury on Wednesday November 30, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A Prayer Service will be held in the funeral home at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury.

Memorial donations in Ethel’s name to the charity of your choice are welcome.

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