Obituary of Elizabeth J. Hayes

Schenectady/North River: Elizabeth Janette Hayes, 87, a resident of Earl Ave, Schenectady and formerly of North River passed away peacefully, Friday, October 14, 2011 at Ellis Hospital. Born January 13, 1924 in Indian Lake, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin F. and Elsie (Coutts) Cleveland. Elizabeth grew up in North River and graduated from North Creek High School in 1942. She married Jesse F. Hayes September 23, 1944 in Newburgh. The couple had eight children and enjoyed their 45 years of marriage until Jesse’s death in 1989. Elizabeth served as Postmaster at the North River Post Office for 17 years, before relocating to Schenectady where she continued her Postal career until retiring in 1986. There, she was an active member of the Faith United Methodist Church of Schenectady. She was an avid gardener; her beautiful flower gardens brought so much pleasure to her and those who viewed them. She also enjoyed traveling with family and friends, making numerous trips to visit her Mother’s birthplace and family in Scotland. In addition to her parents and husband, Elizabeth was predeceased by her infant son, Edward, son, Joseph, and siblings, John and Beatrice Cleveland. Elizabeth is survived by her children, John (Sharon) Hayes of Queensbury; Fred Hayes of North River; Tom (Cathy) Hayes of Glendale, AZ; Janette (Scott) Biggs of Schenectady; Jeanne (Pat) Kellogg of St Mary’s, PA; Rick (Sandy) Hayes of Kingsbury; grandchildren, Julie Bresonis, Stacey Lee, Michele Hayes-Martinez, Frederick Hayes, Katie Waldron, Thomas Hayes, Kimberly Barbera, Stephanie Singer, Ryan Biggs, Ian Biggs, Kyle Biggs, Michael Biggs, Brian Kellogg, Eric Kellogg, Joe Hayes, and Ashley Hayes; 25 great-grandchildren; sisters, Margaret Schenk of North Creek and Genevieve Davis of North River. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Elizabeth’s family from 6-8 pm Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be conducted at 12 pm, Wednesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Ron Allen, Pastor of the Sodom Community Church officiating. Elizabeth will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in the North River Cemetery following the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made in Elizabeth’s name to Heritage Home for Women, 1519 Union Street, Schenectady, New York 12309. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions.