December 22, 2012

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  Claire J. Hayes, 75, of Holcomb Street, passed away Saturday morning, Dec. 22, at her home after a two year battle with ALS. 

A memorial mass will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, at St. Patrick's Church with Rev. Donald Robinson, pastor, officiating. There will be no calling hours.

Arrangements are with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown.

Born June 26, 1937, in New York City, a daughter of Stephen and Dorothy Parker Joynt, she attended SUNY Potsdam. 

She married Robert C. Hayes on June 17, 1958, at St. Patrick's Church with Rev. F. P. Diviney officiating. Mr. Hayes died Oct. 17, 2004.

Claire sold real estate and was a home care provider. She was a communicant of St. Patrick's Church and a member of its Altar & Rosary Society. 

She was a member of both the Jefferson County Historical Society and Samaritan Medical Center Auxiliary. Claire enjoyed playing bridge and was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast. 

She loved spending time with her grandchildren, fishing, and had a special love for the St. Lawrence River.

Surviving are five children, Susan H. Bower and husband, Robert, Rush, Gregory H. Hayes, Watertown, Stephanie H. Oldfield and husband, Scott, Penfield, Jennifer H. Ossola and husband, Steven, Lacona, and Peter A. Hayes and wife, Kimberly, Sackets Harbor; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; sister, Stephanie A. Halferty, Watertown; aunt, Betty Haley, Watertown; nephew, Shawn Halferty, Endicott; and several cousins.

Donations in her name may be made to either Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St. or St. Patrick's Church, 123 S. Massey St., both in Watertown, NY 13601. 

Condolences to the family may be made at www.cummingsfuneral.com.

Information provided by Cummings Funeral Service and Newzjunky.com, Watertown