HAYES, Deanna (née Tesarski)

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Deanna Hayes (née Tesarski), in her 88th year. Deanna passed peacefully after a brief hospitalization, on the eve of what would have been her 67th wedding anniversary with her beloved Frank, who left us in 2023. Born in Winnipeg to Felix and Sofia Tesarski, Deanna was raised in a family shaped by faith, hard work, tradition, and a proud Ukrainian heritage. Those roots remained with her throughout her life and were reflected in the way she cared for her own family. Deanna was predeceased by her husband, Frank, with whom she shared 64 years of marriage, and by her precious son, Bradley, in 1997. She will be deeply missed by her children, Holly Graham (Paul) and Heather Hayes (Mike Shaw), her brother Daniel, her sisters Sonia and Patricia, and her sister-in-law Sandra Hayes. She was a loving grandmother to Melissa, Amanda, Rebecca, Alexandra, Christina, Joey, Leah, Allie, and Jenn, and a great-grandmother to six great-grandchildren. Deanna and Frank built a full life together, first in Manitoba and then in Ontario, where they moved with their young family in 1968. They made their long-time home in Bolton, where they raised their family and created decades of memories. Later in life, they settled in Fergus, where Deanna remained close to family and continued to be a steady, calming presence to those around her. Deanna will be remembered for her patience and her thoughtful way of listening. She was deeply observant, never needing to be the loudest person in the room, but often noticing more than anyone realized. When she spoke, it was with care – and sometimes, with a perfectly timed, dry sense of humour that those close to her will always remember. She faced many difficult chapters without making herself the centre, meeting sorrow and hardship with grace, resilience, and faith. Creativity was woven throughout Deanna’s life. She found joy in sewing, cooking, painting, and other artistic pursuits, pouring care and intention into all that she created. Her family will especially remember the countless pairs of pajamas she sewed, the costumes she made, and the beautiful handmade clothing that reflected both her creativity and her remarkable sense of style. In her later years, she filled canvases with landscapes, flowers, and portraits of family. In every stitch and brushstroke, Deanna left something of herself behind. Her legacy is found in the family she nurtured, the faith she carried, and the many beautiful things she made with her own hands. Her memory will remain a blessing and a comfort to all who knew and loved her – and with every hopeful Blue Jays season to come, we will smile knowing she would be cheering them on. Cremation has taken place, and a private family burial will be held in the fall at Boston Mills Cemetery.

Vichnaya Pamyat.