Irene Hayes passed away at home November 17th, listening to Ode to Joy. Remember her as you sip a cup of coffee, admire a handmade item, view the ocean or the garden and find acceptance and beauty everywhere.

Irene was predeceased by her husband Francis and her son, Michael.  She was one of eleven children of George and Florence Kearns of Braintree, MA.   She was also predeceased by brothers Bill, Dick, Paul, Leo, and David, as well as sisters Jeanne, Marie, and Elaine.  She is survived by siblings, Sr. Louise Kearns of Dorchester, Denis Kearns of Norwell, daughters Annmarie and Susan, her beloved Tucker, as well as countless cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, friends and soulmates.  

Irene made a network of families-of-the-heart and families-of-choice.  Her final thought she wanted memorialized and shared is that “love is what connects us”.  Not blood. Not proximity. Not recency of contact.  Her families of heart and choice are her legacy.  Please remember her as you encounter unexpected beauty in the world.  She is there.

The family asks that you review the Death With Dignity legislation and support it for the next session in 2025.  https://deathwithdignity.org

A private memorial celebration will take place.