Obituary of Sylvia Hayes

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of A. Sylvia “Sibby” Hayes on July 12, 2024, at the Turnbull Nursing Home in Saint John, NB. Sylvia was the daughter of the late Charles and Elsie (nee Miller) Hayes. She was born in the Head of Millstream on July 20, 1930, but spent most of her life in Saint John.  Sylvia graduated from Saint John Vocational School and worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital as an RNA Phlebotomist for many years.

Sylvia is survived by her 5 nieces: Valerie Beck (Harvey), Lynn Holt (Rick), Kathy Livingstone (Byron), Theresa MacMillan (Curtis), and Krista Bietz; four nephews: Paul Folkins (Anne), Jack Folkins (Rose), Randy Folkins (Donna), and Kirby Folkins (Dave Walker).  Sylvia is also survived by her dear friend John Mudge; and her foster brother Ronald Burke and his children September, Amanda and Mackenzie Burke.

She was predeceased by her only sister Kathleen Folkins, and 3 nieces: Debby Saunders, Susan, and Diane Folkins.

After her retirement, Sylvia volunteered at the Rocmaura Nursing Home and Ruth Ross Residence. She was a canvasser for the Heart & Stoke Foundation, the Kidney Foundation, and the Canadian Cancer Society. Sylvia was a devout Roman Catholic and cared for her ill mother at home for many years. After her mother passed, her greatest joy was spending time at Church and visiting with her family and friends.

Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506-634-7424). Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 6:00 – 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Stella Maris Catholic Church (201 Bayside Dr, Saint John, NB) beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at St. Phillips Cemetery in Head of Millstream.  Following the burial, a reception will take place at Millstream Recreation Centre (904 Route 880, Berwick, NB). Donations in Sylvia’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Diabetes Association. For those who wish online condolences may be made by visiting www.brenansfh.com.