Kathleen “Kathy” Hayes of Charlestown, Massachusetts, formerly of South Boston, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on September 13, 2026.
Kathy was born on December 29, 1957, in Boston. She was the loving daughter of the late Joseph “Sandy” and the late Lillian “Lil” Hayes of South Boston.
Kathy’s warmth and wonderful sense of humor brought comfort and joy to her family. She was a beloved sister, aunt, cousin, and friend who will be deeply missed.
Kathy was the sister of Midge Manning and her late husband Paul of South Boston; Sandra O’Leary and her husband Frank of Walpole; Barbara Martin and her late husband Norman of Dracut; Janice Bowers and her husband Tom of Hull; Marilyn Hayes of Topsfield; Bobbi Sullivan and her husband Bob of Millis; and Edna Hayes of Dorchester. She was also the sister-in-law of Kathy Hayes of Leominster and Marsha Hayes of South Boston.
Kathy was predeceased by her sister Frances “Frani” Christello and her husband Sonny of Quincy; her brother Bill Hayes of Leominster; and her brother Joe Hayes of South Boston.
Kathy will be sadly missed by her many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
She loved watching all kinds of sports, especially the Patriots, the Red Sox and Golf. She always enjoyed a good game of cribbage, sister weekends in Maine, and singing old songs. Despite facing numerous health challenges over the years, she never lost her ability to smile and laugh. Her positive spirit and sense of humor made her truly a joy to be around.
Kathy was a graduate of Boston College. She worked at the Gillette Company for over 20 years at the Prudential Center Boston and Janesville, Wisconsin locations and later retired from Boston Scientific in Quincy.
A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Thursday, September 24, at 11:00 a.m. at Gate of Heaven Church, 615 East Fourth Street, South Boston. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kathy’s memory to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation at helpfightra.org or to the Mass General Brigham Boston Cardiac Unit at [email protected].