Enjoyed singing and gardening
Published March 18, 2020
WAKEFIELD — Florence Hayes, 91, of Wakefield, formerly of Dorchester, Adams Village and Cohasset, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Born in Dorchester on August 3, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Bertha (Peroneni) Luiselli. The wife of the late James J. Hayes, she was the mother of Stephen Hayes and his wife Ann of Wakefield and Brion Hayes and his wife Meredith of Cohasset. She was also the sister of Madeline Burke of Quincy and late sisters Elsie Caliri, Mary Ottariano, Virginia Gill, and brother James (Jack the Barber) Luiselli.
Florence was the grandmother of Jennifer Hayes-Hunsicker and her husband Jerry of Merrimack, N.H., Christopher Hayes of Colorado, and Lauren and Timothy Hayes of Cohasset. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren and many dearly loved nieces and nephews, including her beloved nephew David Ottariano, and niece Lynne Ottariano Townshend.
Florence was born in the Lower Mills section of Dorchester. Adams Village is where she eventually settled with her husband to raise her sons. At a young age, Florence inherited the love of music from her father. She always loved to sing and went on to sing in the group Sweet Adelines.
Florence took pleasure at Christmastime in gathering the neighborhood children together to sing Christmas carols door to door. Music would be something she enjoyed always. Florence worked in the Boston Public Schools as an Administrative Assistant at The Copley School. She finished her career as a counselor for the Veterans’ Administration. Florence always felt a great comfort and satisfaction working to get veterans the life-changing information and services they needed and deserved.
After retirement she spent much time at the family vacation home in Franconia, N.H., gardening and visiting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A private graveside service was held at the Canton Corner Cemetery in Canton.
Arrangements were in the care of the McDonald Funeral Home in Wakefield.
