Obituary of Marjorie Cowan Hayes

Hayes, Marjorie Cowan age 90 of Horseheads and also Delray Beach, FL, passed away after a brief illness Sunday, May 15, 2016, at home surrounded by her loving family. Marjorie was predeceased by her loving and devoted husband, Melvin E. Hayes, in September 2015. She is survived by her loving sons and daughters, Bonnie (Charles) Breines of Boynton Beach, FL, Dennis (Kim) Hayes of Waneta Lake, NY, Judy (Barry McCuen) of Corning, NY, Chet (Karen) Hayes of Horseheads, NY, Keith (deceased in 2011) Lisa Hayes of Elmira Heights, NY, Sheldon Hayes of Alpine, NY, Brian Hayes of Breesport, NY, David (Abby) Hayes of Lamoka Lake, NY, and Daniel (Judiann) Hayes of Horseheads, NY; over 90 grandchildren and great grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild; sisters and brother, Carol, Alice and Benjamin Cowan. brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Norman Hayes, Doug (Mary) Hayes, and Delores Strope all of Horseheads, NY; and several extended family members and friends. Marjorie was also predeceased by son, Keith Hayes; and brothers-in-law, Justin and Kenneth Hayes and all her siblings, Thelma Frost, Russell, Roy, Samuel Cowan and Ted Wilcox. Marjorie was the consummate mother, with nine children, and over 90 grand children, great grandchildren. She honed her motherly skills to perfection. She never practiced tough love. It was always with a kind heart, patience and a motto that we can all learn from: “Just Be Nice” She will be missed by all who remain, but welcomed by all who went before her. She is particularly looking forward to visit with Nanny and a reunion with her husband and partner of over 70 years. She lived a good life with her husband, Mel, in homes in Horseheads, Delray Beach, and Lamoka Lake. The lake was a huge part of family life. Marjorie and Mel were one of the first residences on the west side of Lamoka Lake with the cottage being completed in 1951 and in use continuously since then. The Hayes Clan (Lamoka Lake Rats) would arrive the day after school ended and return home the day after Labor Day. Family and friends are invited to call at the Barber Funeral Home, Inc., 413 S. Main St., Horseheads on Thursday, May 19, 2016 from 4-7:00 pm. Her service will follow there at 7:00 pm. Burial service in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Elmira. Condolences and remembrances at www.barberfuneralhome.com