Wakefield, NH

Ellen Katherine (Hurley) Hayes, 81, passed gracefully from this life on Tuesday, August 15th, 2017, surrounded by the love of her family. Ellen was born July 14, 1936 in Somerville, MA, the daughter of Irish immigrants, Joseph Daniel Hurley and Bridget Mary (Keane) Hurley of County Cork. Ellen was raised in Brighton, MA and from an early age she enjoyed singing and dancing. She graduated from Our Lady of the Presentation Academy and then received her B.A. from Boston State Teacher’s College. Ellen began her professional career as an elementary school teacher, teaching young minds in Massachusetts and New York. In 1958 Ellen agreed to go on a blind date to a Bruin’s game at the Boston Garden with the resulting love of her life, Bradley Hayes. On a July morning in 1960 Ellen and Brad were married at Our Lady of the Presentation.

Part of Ellen and Brad’s great adventure was finding their beloved cottage on Balch Lake in West Newfield, ME in 1967. In 1974 they moved their young family to East Wakefield, New Hampshire. Ellen joined Brad in founding Hayes Real Estate where they practiced together for many years while raising their four children. Ellen was a founding member of the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire which presents The Ellen Hayes Award, the highest award given annually by the Association since 1985.

Ellen is survived by her husband of 57 years, Bradley J. Hayes, her children Curtis Hayes of North Conway, NH, Beth Hayes of East Wakefield, NH and her former husband Dino Scala of Wakefield, NH, Sarah Hayes of Wakefield, NH, and Susan Hayes and her husband Thomas Dube of Wakefield, NH. Ellen’s four grandchildren lit up her world – her beautiful blue eyes sparkled when she saw Ellen Hayes, Joe Scala, John Scala, and Tommy Scala. Ellen also leaves her two beloved siblings, Daniel J. Hurley and wife Mary, and Mary (Hurley) Donlan and husband Paul. She was also loved by her nieces, nephews, and many cousins.

There are no calling hours.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 26th , 2017 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 251 Meadow Street, Sanbornville, NH, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Ellen’s memory may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org/ or National Multiple Sclerosis, PO Box 4527, New York, NY  10163.

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