Helen J. Hayes

ENOSBURG FALLS– Helen J. Hayes, age 90, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022 at Mayo Residential Care in Northfield, Vt.

She was born in West Enosburg on December 1, 1931, to the late Fred and Clyda (Derry) Corron.

Helen graduated from Enosburg Falls High School in the Class of 1949. She attended the University of Vermont for three years before marrying James P. Hayes in 1952.  Helen’s primary focus during the early years of her marriage was caring for James and their five children. James was a dairy farmer and Helen helped run the farm. She was also an experienced gardener, a kindergarten teacher, a real estate agent and an EMT. She and James loved to spend Saturday nights out dancing with friends. 

Helen could not have been happier when her family expanded to another generation with the addition of grandchildren. She loved to help with their care as well as expand their experience to include spending time at the family farm. Helen was the perfect complement to James, hosting expansive and remarkable family dinners that you had to experience to appreciate.  Helen was an active parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church. She served as the coordinator of the Religious Education program, as one of the inaugural members of the team of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for the parish as well as an organizer of funeral dinners at the Parish Hall. She supplemented her contribution to her local church with active participation in the Cursillo Movement.

Helen enjoyed getting away to Jay Peak to ski during the winter months.  Summer recreation included water skiing at Lake Carmi on Sunday afternoons or at visits to her sister’s camp on Fairfield Pond.  She and James eventually spent their winters in Tucson where they purchased a condo and expanded their network of friends.  They would often go on adventures exploring the sights of the Southwest countryside.  Family visits to Tucson were always encouraged and Helen and James were the ultimate hosts and tour guides.  They always returned to Vermont in the spring to be with family and friends. James shared the driving with Helen but would tease her about having a lead foot! She was a great navigator on those trips and still noticed everything as a passenger on outings. 

Sadly, the handsome couple was parted in 2017 by James’ death and the need for Helen to relocate to Mayo Residential Care. She was a very active participant in social activities there and participated in weekly Zoom calls with her children. Helen provided an example of grace and gratitude to the very end, always thanking the staff that cared for her, and guests for visiting in her last days.

She is survived by her children, Patrick Hayes and his wife Kirsten of Enosburg Falls, J. Steven Hayes and his wife Kitty of Williston, Kathy Lamb and her husband David of Wilder, George Hayes and his wife Andrea of Colchester, and Susan Whitney and her husband Dale of Williston; 15 grandchildren, Sarah Dudley and her husband Justin, Rachel Machia and her husband Chad, Jeremiah Hayes and his partner Sarah James, Eve Whitney and her husband Adam, Micah Hayes, Dr. Eily Hayes and her husband Wade Vidal, Ryan Hayes and his wife Susan, Sean Hayes and his wife Remy, Christian Lamb, Molly Lamb and her husband Mikeal Suniga, Michael Lamb and his partner Kaitlyn Barr, Ava Hayes, Griffin Hayes, Gordon Harlow and his fiancé Michelle Evens, and Samuel Harlow; 7 great grandchildren, Lilly Wedin, Colin Wedin, Milo Hayes, Wren Hayes, Isla Dudley, Matthew Machia, and Jacob Machia; brother, Wendall Corron and his wife Norma; and several nieces & nephews. Besides her parents, Helen was predeceased by her husband, James P. Hayes; and siblings, Douglas, Phyllis, Beatrice, and Virginia.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Helen’s life on October 22, 2022 at 11:00AM beginning with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 62 Missisquoi St., Enosburg Falls, VT. Interment will follow in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Enosburg.

Contributions in Helen’s memory may be made to Mayo Healthcare, 610 Water Street, Northfield, VT 05663.

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