Lena Hayes

Lena Blake Hayes, age 91, formerly of Saranac Lake, died Sunday, December 20, 2015 at her daughter's home in Deer River, New York, surrounded by her family.

Born in Peru, New York on July 16, 1924, Lena was the daughter of Leslie and Essa (Reid) Blake and the oldest daughter of their eleven children. After completing her nurses training, Lena moved to Saranac Lake where she worked at the Adirondack Medical Center and Uihlein Living Center. Lena married Robert Hayes, Sr. on October 3, 1946 in Saranac Lake. Robert predeceased her in 2003.

Left to honor Lena and remember her love are Lena’s five children, Irene Hayes (Gordon Malensek), Susan (Thomas) Foy, Robert (Nancy) Hayes, Mary Jean (Merril) Rowe, Michael (Cheryl) Hayes; nine grandchildren; Travis, Jeffrey (Hope), and Lauren Foy, Brian (Amy) and Erin Hayes, Max and Alex Rowe, Zachary and Joseph Hayes; and two great-grandchildren, Olivia Foy and Colin Hayes. Lena will be remembered as a warm shining light in the hospitals, churches, and schools she served. She took every opportunity to play cards with her family and friends. Lena loved gardening, long walks, and picnics at Lake Colby. She was a wonderful cook who will be remembered by many for her Party Mix and doughnuts.

The Hayes family would like to extend their gratitude to Samaritan Summit Village in Watertown, New York, specifically the staff, nurses, and friends for their attentiveness and loving care. A celebration of Lena's life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake.