Loretta Catherine Hayes

Constableville - Loretta Catherine Hayes died peacefully at Evergreen Commons in East Greenbush, NY on December 12, 2009 at the age of 91 years. Loretta was born on June 26, 1918 in the Schwenk Brothers Hotel in Constableville ¿ more recently known as Hotel Parquet. She was the daughter of Henry Schwenk and Marion Wynn. In 1921 she moved with her mother and four sisters, Helen, Mildred, Margaret and Frances, to the farm called Mount Moriah located just north of the village. In 1937 she graduated from the Constableville High School. On September 16, 1939 she married Stephen Hayes, also of Constableville. They made their home in various houses in Constableville and Utica before purchasing their home on High Street in 1945. They raised their three children at this house, and lived there for the remainder of their lives. Loretta was known for being a dedicated homemaker and mother of her children. Her home was always a wonderful place to visit, whether it was for holidays or a summer vacation. She was fond of cooking and was a keeper of many generations of recipes, from pies to pickles. All children and grandchildren were knitted mittens and afghans from family patterns. From her youth on the farm, she had a lifelong love of animals, particularly horses, dogs, and cats. Her hobbies included tending the family vegetable and flower gardens and bowling in the Constableville league. Following her mother¿s lead, she was a lifetime New York Yankees fan and in 2002 made her only trip to Yankee stadium, where George Steinbrenner had the honor of shaking her hand. Loretta was always known as a good neighbor and was a steady helper at village activities. From childhood she was a faithful member of St. Paul¿s Church and its St. Agnes Guild. For thirty years she worked alongside her husband while they remodeled their High Street home. Her empathetic nature led her to be the caretaker for several family members. She is survived by her sister Frances and three children, Judy and husband Bill Cosgrove of Nassau, NY, Sally and husband Jim Downey of Romeoville, IL, and Peter Hayes of Delmar, NY; seven grandchildren, Kimberly Cosgrove Easterling, Christopher Cosgrove, Kathy Cosgrove Zorian, Frank Downey, Lisa Downey Pettke, Andrew Hayes and Laura Hayes; and 11 great-grandchildren. Loretta¿s children have been privileged to have her as an inspirational role model. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 19 at 3:00 p.m. at the Trainor Funeral Home, 143 Schuyler Street in Boonville. Calling hours will precede the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be in Constableville Rural Cemetery in the spring, when Loretta will be laid to rest next to her husband. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul¿s Episcopal Church, c/o POB 92, Constableville, NY 13325.