Elizabeth J. Hayes

Elizabeth Jean (Murphy) Hayes, 81, of 95 Coleman St., Gardner, died Saturday, December 29, 2007 in Heywood Hospital, Gardner, MA. Mrs. Hayes was born in Marlborough, MA, on May 6, 1926, the daughter of Ruth (Norcross) and Edmund Murphy. She retired from New England Telephone after more than 30 years of service in its Clinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Roxbury, and Gardner offices. As a writer and poet, she was published in regional and national magazines and newspapers. She also enjoyed reading, creating word puzzles, cooking, classical music, theater, and travel throughout New England. She sponsored children through Save the Children and Children International, and was a member of The Compassionate Friends, Amnesty International, Covenant House, and numerous religious and animal welfare organizations. Over a span of 35 years, Mrs. Hayes was active in helping rescue and find loving, adoptive homes for more than 100 stray and abandoned cats and kittens in the Gardner area, and she urged pet owners to spay and neuter their animals. She is survived by her son, Russell A. Hayes Jr., and his wife Priscilla, of Gardner; one sister, Barbara Matusiewicz of Gardner; two grandsons, Justin L. Hayes of Gardner and Robert A. Jones of Templeton; and two great granddaughters, Mackenzie Hayes and Madison Hayes, both of Gardner. She was predeceased by her husband, Russell A. Hayes in 1997; by one daughter, Ruth Hayes; and by two sons, Peter Hayes and Stephen Hayes. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Pat Brody Shelter for Cats, P.O. Box 142, Lunenburg, MA 01462, or to Gardner Animal Shelter, c/o Lisa Gaudette, Board of Health, City Hall, Gardner, MA 01440. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.poliksfuneralhome.com Poliks Funeral Home, 431 Pleasant St., Gardner, is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });