Joanna Hayes, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away on Friday, March 15, 2024, at the age of 91. She was born and raised on her family’s farm in Shutesbury before moving to Brooklyn, New York. She returned to Shutesbury in 1970 to raise her family in the home where she was born and lived there until her passing.

Joanna will be greatly missed. She is survived by her daughter Maureen (Joe), daughter Kathy (Kevin), son John (Patty), son Kevin (Jeri), and son Dan (Mike); as well as her sister Louise, eleven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was predeceased by her loving husband Raymond, granddaughter Jessica, and eleven brothers and sisters.

Joanna was married to Raymond in 1953; they celebrated their 65th anniversary before his passing in 2018. Joanna recently enjoyed her birthday party on the farm, which was attended by four generations of family. The 100th anniversary of the family farm was in 2013; it was not only a home, but a gathering place for more than a century: anniversaries, weddings, reunions, pig roasts, holidays, and countless celebrations. Joanna was a wonderful host and always welcomed everyone into her home. She devoted her life to her family, raising her kids, caring for her grandchildren, and spending time with her great-grandchildren. Joanna enjoyed attending her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s games, competitions, and performances, playing Pitch at family gatherings, going to bingo, and working on puzzles. She was an avid farmer and could always be found working in her garden. Recently she was thrilled to read her grandson Stephen’s first novel. Her family and friends loved her cooking, especially her pierogies. There was no end to her love and support. Her warmth and hospitality touched the lives of all of those around her.

We would like to thank Fire Chief Lenny Czerwonka, Shutesbury Police and Fire Departments, and Dr. Grewal for their care and compassion.

Calling hours will be held at the Douglass Funeral Home Thursday, March 21, 4:00 -7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Brigid’s Church in Amherst on Friday, March 22, 10:00 a.m. with a burial to follow in West Cemetery, Shutesbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Jessica Hayes Memorial Scholarship Endowed Fund” and mailed to: UMass Amherst Foundation, Records and Gifts Processing, 134 Hicks Way, Amherst, Ma 01003-9270, or online at https://www.uma-foundation.org/ways-to-give. For condolences please visit: www.douglassfuneral.com.