Brockton - Joan F. (Merchant) (Croker), of Brockton, formerly of Bridgewater, Nov. 3, 2007, loving wife of the late James L. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes died at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center after a lengthy illness. She was 74 years old.
Born in Boston, daughter of the late Albert and Helen (Jordan) Merchant.
She attended West Bridgewater schools and was formerly of Bridgewater and Port St. Lucy, Fla.
She was formerly employed by FootJoy in Brockton as a department head for 23 years, retiring in 1991.
She was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan.
Mother of Michael D. Croker of Middleboro, Patricia A. Spearin of Randolph, Deborah J. Cavanaugh of Lakeville, James E. Croker of Brockton, John F. Croker of West Bridgewater, Kevin Croker of Brockton and Kathleen M. Turcotte of Taunton; sister of Robert Merchant and the late Walter and Mary Merchant. Also survived by six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the Prophett Funeral Home, 98 Bedford St. (Rte. 18), Bridgewater, Thursday at 8:15 a.m. Funeral Mass in St. Thomas Aquinas Church at 9 a.M. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8 p.m. Burial in St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery.