Mary Lynn Hayes was born in Buffalo, New York, on Feb. 21, 1937, to the late Mary Ann Nardi (née Felda) and Joseph A. Nardi. A daughter of immigrants, her parents instilled in her a good work ethic, a strong Catholic faith, and a love of education and reading.

Mary Lynn was a highly intelligent woman, educated at Buffalo Public School 63 and Holy Angels Academy. She earned a bachelor's degree in business from D'Youville College in 1958. She endured heartache at a young age, losing her only sibling, Donald Robert, to cancer at age 21.

Mary Lynn met the love of her life at a neighbor's party. Not immediately convinced that he was the one for her, James F. Hayes worked his charm and won her over. They were married on April 9, 1960 and were married 64 years. They had four children – Lynn Marie Hayes-Cinquino (Gerry Barber), James F. (Cindy) Hayes Jr., Donald R. Hayes (Kelly Anastasi) and Deborah Ann (Jeffory) McCoy – as well as nine grandchildren – Nicholas III, Angela (Corey Novak) and Joseph (Rachel) Cinquino; Maria and Emily Hayes (Daniel Giovino); Brianna (Zachary) Wertz and Jessica (Casey) Bauer; and Beau McCoy and Grace (Blake) Alexander – and three great-grandchildren: Azuré, Isabella and Eva Cinquino.

Mary Lynn retired in 2000 as a medical transcriptionist from St. Joseph's Hospital in Cheektowaga. She was active in the St. John the Baptist Parish community in Alden, New York, where she was a greeter at Mass and a member of the Prayer Shawl Group Ministries, knitting various clothing items for the less fortunate. She volunteered at the Alden Meals on Wheels, and enjoyed crafting, reading, traveling and making her home cozy. She loved the numerous pets that she had.

Over the past few years, Mary Lynn was a dedicated and loving caregiver for her husband, Jim, until last month, when her own illnesses made it impossible for her to continue. The family would like to extend its gratitude to the staff of Companion Care and Brothers of Mercy's Montabaur Heights and Sacred Heart Home for enhancing Mary Lynn and Jim's quality of life, and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital for her end-of-life care.

Family will be present to receive friends at the CHARLES MEYER FUNERAL HOME, 13228 Broadway Alden, NY on Wednesday, November 6th from 3-7 PM.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John's RC Church Alden, NY on Thursday, November 7th at 11 AM. (please assemble at church).

Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.  Share your condolences at meyerfuneralhome.com