Margaret E. Hayes

Peggy Hayes, 86, entered into eternal rest on July 20, 2026, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, the city where she was born, where her faith was formed, and where she devoted her life to serving others.

Over the course of Peggy’s life, many things in Lawrence and the surrounding communities changed. Peggy did not. She remained steadfast in her devotion to her students, faithful to her Church, loyal to her friends and family, and deeply invested in the community she called home.

Peggy graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Lawrence in 1957 and from the former State College at Lowell in 1961. Soon afterward, she began the work that would become her life’s vocation, teaching. For more than 40 years, Peggy taught third and fourth grade students in the Haverhill Public Schools, including at the Winter Street School and Golden Hill Elementary School.

Teaching was never simply a profession for Peggy. It was a calling. She cared deeply for the children entrusted to her and took seriously her responsibility to educate, encourage, and protect them. In 1971, while serving as interim head teacher at the Winter Street School, Peggy placed the needs of her students and the school before her own, later remarking that the responsibility and concern had caused her to lose 35 pounds that year. The story reflected what those who knew her understood well: Peggy gave herself completely to the people and purposes she believed in.

Her devotion to others was rooted in a deep and abiding Catholic faith. Peggy was a longtime and active member of St. Patrick’s Church in Lawrence, where she served for many years as a member of the Altar Guild and sang in the choir. She found joy in the beauty and traditions of the Church, offering her time and talents quietly and faithfully. Her faith sustained her throughout her life and shaped the compassion, humility, and constancy with which she treated others.

Peggy loved music, writing, and crafting. Over the years, she created many thoughtful works for those she loved—tangible reminders of the care she put into her relationships and the quiet creativity she carried within her.

She was reserved by nature but unwavering in her loyalty. Peggy was never one to call attention to herself. Instead, she quietly offered comfort and support to her friends, neighbors, students, and loved ones. Her kindness was seldom loud, but it was always present.

Peggy’s life and legacy are worthy of remembrance because they reflected virtues that can seem increasingly rare: devotion to community, commitment to one’s work and purpose, faithfulness in friendship, and loyalty to that one love. She did not seek recognition, yet through decades of service, countless acts of kindness, and a life lived with quiet conviction, she became a steady pillar of her community.

Peggy was predeceased by her parents, John and Margaret Hayes.
She is survived by her cousin, Maureen Hayes of Maryland; her godson, Alec DiFruscia, Jr. of Boston; and many cherished relatives, friends, former students, colleagues, and neighbors.

Peggy will be remembered with gratitude by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May the good she offered throughout her life continue to bear fruit in the lives of those she taught, comforted, and loved.

Family and friends are invited to an hour of visitation on Saturday July 25, 2026 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at the Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home 80 Broadway, Methuen. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday at St. Patrick Church, 118 S. Broadway, Lawrence. Burial will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, N. Andover. To leave an online condolence, please visit Peggy’e tribute page at www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com.

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