Ellen M. Hays, 78 of Huntley died peacefully with her family by her side.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated 1:30 pm on Tuesday at St. Mary Catholic Church-10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Visitation will be 4-8pm Monday at DeFiore Jorgensen Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, and also one hour prior to the Mass at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Vincent DePaul Society- St.Mary Church.
Ellen was born May 31, 1935 in Mt. Vernon, NY the daughter of Francis and Lucille Nilan. On June 1, 1957 she married Donald L. Hays, for the first three years of their marriage they lived in the Phillipines. She worked as a bookkeeper until her retirement in 1998. She was a minster of care at St. Mary’s Church, a member of the Celtic Club and she enjoyed traveling with Don.
She is survived by her husband, Don, her children, Deborah (Tony) Holbrook, Joseph (Julie) Hays, Laura Hays, Ann (Michael) Hiltenbrand and Noreen (John) Morissette; by her eight grandchildren, Devin, Collin, Connor, Riley, Karina, Brenden, Kailey and Nolan, and also by her sister, Lucille (Brian) McCue.
She is preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Linda Hays and her brothers, Jack and Mike.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847 515-8772 or on-line condolences may be directed to www.defiorejorgensen.com
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All our love and prayers. She was a wonderful lady and I'm so glad I knew her.
Dear Don & family . Ellen is at peace now. May God give all of you strength & comfort. Ellen was a an inspiration to all of us. Calm & courageous and accepting of what was to be. We will miss her. Love kaye
Thanks, Ellen, for the wonderful memories. We will always love you. Barb and Mike Doonan
Don and Family, Thinking of all of you this morning. Ellen was such a beautiful lady and a gift to everyone who met her. I have many fond memories of times spent with your family years ago. I know she is celebrating in heaven. I wish you all peace, healing, smiles and laughter as you think of Ellen. Love, Robin
Don and family, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Ellen was a wonderful person to know and we enjoyed many fun times together in Huntley and in Arizona. Im so glad she got to come this last time and say good-bye to her friends. I know she is with Jesus in haven and at peace. We loved her and will miss her. Love you, Pat Carl
My dear aunt Ellen, I will always remember your lovely smile and warm laugh, your love of travel and knowledge of card games. From the Minnesota lakes to the North Sea, you were always able to see the bright side of life and were so full of love and joy…it was a pleasure knowing you and I miss you already! Love and kisses, your niece Siobhan
Dear Don, we all know from experience how difficult it is to lose a loved one, especially such a wonderful woman and friend as Ellen. We have so many great memories of times shared with you both over the years. We'll forever hear her infectious laughter and remember her sense of humor, welcoming attitude, kindness of spirit and the gentleness that was in her heart. We hope you and your family know that we share in your grief. Love, Paul & Cheryl
Dear Don & Family, We are so sorry to learn of your loss of your wife and mother. Don, we have many fond memories of the many dinners we all shared and what a beautiful woman Ellen was. May her memory be eternal. God Bless you and your family.