Marcia "Polly" Hayes (Collins) Obituary (1935

Marcia "Polly" Hayes (Collins) Avon, NY - Died peacefully, surrounded by her children, on January 26, 2023 at age 87. She was a proud alumna of St. Agnes School, Avon High School '53, and the University of Rochester School of Nursing '56. Predeceased - by just thirteen days - by her husband, Dr. Robert Hayes; son, Michael Hayes; parents, Dr. George and Elizabeth Collins; sisters, Joan (Robert) Warren, Margaret (Duane) Westfall, Martha (George) Cullinan, Mary (Robert) Kelley; brothers, Charles (Dana), David (Elizabeth), George, John (Betty), Paul (Sally), and Dr. Richard (Mary) Collins. Survived by daughters, Mary Beth (Michael) DiBacco and Maureen "Molly" Hayes (Stuart Baker); sons, Dr. Stephen (Dr. Carol McCarthy) Hayes, Timothy (Carole) Hayes, John (Karen) Hayes, Robert (Allison) Hayes; grandchildren, Dr. Catherine, William, Dr. Andrew, Patrick (Sarah DePerrior), Collin, Kathleen, Elizabeth, Hannah, Adara, Nora, Bridget, Caroline, and Joseph Hayes; Dr. Sarah (Dr. Neel Patel), Michael (Fatema Almeshqab), Emily DiBacco; Robert, Rory, and Caitie Baker; brother, Dr. Bernard (Patricia) Collins; sister-in-law, Sally Collins. Polly, the twelfth of twelve children, was born in the Collins Family Homestead at 25 East Main Street in Avon, NY. In 1967, following the death of her dear mother, "Bess", this became the Hayes Family Homestead where she and her beloved Bob raised their seven children. This home was always a hub of activity and served as the center of family life. Polly was the quintessential Irish matriarch. Family and her Catholic Faith were the center of her universe. Always loving and supportive, she could be the "tough mom" when necessary (the Hayes boys were not always rule followers.) However, she was an easy touch for her nineteen grandchildren, her feeder birds, and puppies. Two of her favorite quotes - that she shared with all those in her world - were: "Do you know how much I love you?", and "We are so Blessed." After raising her children, Polly returned to her profession as a Registered Nurse. She worked at Avon Medical Center alongside her husband, Dr. Hayes, and her brother, Dr. Collins, in the practice founded by her father. Polly was a skilled nurse whose kind and caring bedside manner was praised by her patients. Many requested to have Polly deliver their shots due to her gentle touch. Polly was a lifelong member of St. Agnes Parish in Avon. She served as president of the Rosary Society and was a Eucharistic Minister for many years. For decades, her lovely alto voice could be heard providing rich harmonies in the St. Agnes Choir. Truly, another angelic voice has been added to heaven's choir. Polly's Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 1:00pm at St. Agnes Church, 96 Prospect St, Avon, NY. Internment following the Funeral Mass at St. Agnes Cemetery, Avon, NY. Friends and family are invited to The Avon Inn following the services for food, drink, and storytelling. In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to St. Agnes School Foundation, 60 Park Place, Avon, NY 14414, or Bethany House, 111 Joseph Ave., Rochester, NY 14621in her memory.