HAYES, Mary Veronica, A lifelong resident of Boston’s South End died peacefully on May 31st surrounded by her family. She was 93.

Born on January 11th, 1931, she was the middle child of 5. She was was a Graduate of the Cathedral High School of Boston and later attended Boston University as a pre-Med student. This would change about halfway through her sophomore year when she met the love of her life Bernard Nial Hayes.

She was the daughter of the late Maurice and Hester (Brennan) Fitzgerald of Boston, formerly from North Adams and Waltham.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Bernard just three months earlier. It was the longest separation she had ever had from her husband in 70 years. She was also preceded in death by her sister Elizabeth (FitzGerald) Weaver and her husband William, her sister Margaret (FitzGerald) Millis and her husband Joseph, Brother Maurice FitzGerald and his wife Catherine, her brother-in-law Blaze Cacciola, her brothers-in-law’s James, Chris, and Harry Hayes, her sister- in- law Mary (Hayes) McCarthy, Sister-in-law Jeanne (Delorie) Hayes, brother-in-law Curt Fishman, and Sister-in-law Karen O’Keefe,

Mary is survived by their son Bernard Gerard Hayes of Boston and Her sister Anne Cacciola of New Hampshire. She is also survived by Her brother in laws Paul Hayes of Boston, Thomas Barry and his wife Angie (Prioli ) Hayes of Boston, her Sister-in-law Clare (Helman) Hayes of Boston, and her Brother-in-law Eugene McCarthy of Ireland.

Mary also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and an extended group of caring, loving members of both the FitzGerald and Hayes families all of whom considered her a surrogate mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Aunt Mary often said that her sister Margaret gave her the daughters she never had what aunt Mary didn't know was that her sister Margaret gave her daughters a second mother and grandmother.

During her life she worked for Lord and Taylor in many capacities as a model, manager of the bird cage café, and a makeup artist for Lancome cosmetics. She worked for the May company for more than 20 years. She worked for the Archdiocese of Boston for over 20 years through Catholic charities teaching immigrants English. She was an accomplished gardener, and her beautiful talents and skills were displayed in Boston and in Duxbury at their summer home. She was most proud of the fact that she was chosen to be part of the garden tours in Boston’s South End.

Mary met her Bernard one blessed night (thanks to her sister Anne) at a dance social at the Cathedral in Boston. Their love began that night and just a couple of years later on May 22nd, 1954, they were married at the same place where they met, the Cathedral. Their love story was the kind you would read about in fairy tales. They had mutual respect, kindness, consideration, and passion that only true love brings. Over their 7 decades together their love grew more deeply. They truly had a wonderful life filled with love.

Mary had a love of life and people. She loved Boston and living in the South End with her husband Bernard. There wasn't anyone she didn't know in those city blocks. If there was a neighbor who was ill you could rest assure Mary would be bringing over soup and a beautiful bread that she had made. She enjoyed all of the beautiful arts that Boston had to offer and was an avid member of the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Museum, the Boston Symphony, and the entire theater district. She was forever including her family in joining her for a weekend of theater, music or museum outings.

Aunt Mary and Uncle Bernard’s home became a second home to their families. It was lovingly said that they were the best B&B in Boston. It wouldn’t matter who called her up and asked if they could come up for the evening the answer was always the same, “absolutely”. She always said how much she enjoyed the company I think she was unaware of how much her family enjoyed hers and Uncle Bernard’s. She was best known for her brownies and would refuse to give up the recipe. That was her trademark and it that recipe remains with her.

As much as Mary and Bernard enjoyed the city they loved getting away to Duxbury. Duxbury became more than just a summer place it became their second home. For Mary and her husband Bernard this was their sanctuary. A place where they could enjoy being with many nieces and nephews as well as taking long walks on Duxbury beach. They celebrated many milestone anniversaries at The Miramar retreat center that was run by the Divine Word Missions. Miramar was their Cathedral when they were in Duxbury.

So much life and love until her busy world hushed and God took her home.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to The sisters of the Blessed Sacrament Saint Michael's High School PO Box 650 Saint Michael's Arizona 86511

Funeral services will be at a later date.