Grace A. Hayes, 86 formerly of Walton, passed away on Tuesday morning, May 26, 2009 at LaValley's Loving Care Home in East Branch following a long illness.

Grace was born in West New York, NJ on March 1, 1923 the daughter of the late Vincent and Philomena (Madormo) Tiesi.

On August 15, 1970 she married William W. Hayes at North Bergin, NJ. Her beloved Bill died on October 13, 2004.

Grace was employed as a bookkeeper for Columbia Boiler of North Bergin. After retiring in 1984, Grace and Bill moved to their farm on Upper Loomis Brook. Grace loved animals of all kinds.

During her final illness she was surrounded by her cats and dogs up until the end of her earthly journey. She was also a supporter of St. Judes Children's Hospital. Grace was a faithful member of St. John the Baptist Church, Walton.

Grace is survived by her caregiver, Lori Lamica, Lori's children, Austin and Rosanne, a brother Frank Tiesi, several nieces, nephews and cousins, her many friends from church and her many animal friends.

Friends are invited to call from 8:30 to 9:30 AM on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held following the calling hour at 10:00 AM at Saint John The Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 17-25 Benton Avenue, Walton, with the Rev. Matthew H. Frisoni, officiating. Interment will follow in Walton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Grace requested memorial donations be sent to Heart of the Catskills, PO Box 88, Delhi, NY 13753 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital-Memorial, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.