NORTH NORWICH – M. Theresa Hayes of North Norwich passed away on June 29, 2011 in New Hartford after a brief hospital stay.
Born in Trumansburg, Theresa was the daughter of Harry and Catherine O’Connell. Theresa graduated from Nazareth College in 1951 with a degree in Art Education. A resident of Chenango County since 1956, she taught art for many years at St. Paul’s Catholic School in Norwich, and for several years thereafter in the Sherburne-Earlville district.
She was a communicant of St. Malachy’s Roman Catholic Church in Sherburne, where she was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society. A woman of great faith she found daily guidance in prayer. An accomplished watercolor artist, Theresa was also an avid gardener, decorator and cook. She loved spending time with her family, friends, and pets.
Theresa is survived by her four children and eight grandchildren: Daniel (Catherine, Christopher, Benjamin and Patrick) of Charlottesville, Va.; Barbara and husband John Taverne (Siobhan and Gabrielle) of Westmoreland; Mark and partner Lauralee (Karleen and Jack) of Gloversville; and daughter Constance of Rome, Italy.
Theresa instilled love in her family and wide range of friends; the world is undoubtedly a far better place for her presence.
The family would like to express its gratitude to all the local health-care providers that assisted her throughout the years, with special regards directed to the staff at Bassette Hospital of Cooperstown, and Melissa of Family Home Care.
A mass of Christian burial for Theresa will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church in Sherburne. The Reverend Lester Smith, Pastor, will officiate. Internment will be at a later date at St. James Cemetery in Trumansburg.
Friends may call on Friday evening, from 6-9 p.m. at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home in Norwich.
Please consider memorial contributions to Holy Family School, Pleasant Street, Norwich.