Submitted by: Dan Rich

Mildred Pearl Hayes

Jan. 10, 1918 - Jan. 5, 2007

South Bend Tribune 1/9/2007

MISHAWAKA - Mildred Pearl (Schafer) Hayes, 88, passed away after an extended illness on Friday evening, January 5th, with her family by her side. Mildred was born January 10, 1918, to Eldon and Pearl Schafer in Lakeville, Indiana. She grew up on the family farm on Osborne Road and graduated from Lakeville High School.

In October 1947 she married Thomas A. Hayes. They made their home at 801 W. Broadway where Mildred resided for over 50 years. Mildred was a lifelong member of the Olive Branch United Brethren Church of Lakeville and she also attended the First Baptist Church of Mishawaka. Mildred assisted her husband Tom in building several homes in Mishawaka and Lakeville. With the guidance of her friend and mentor, Iva Kaiser, she learned to cane chairs. She became a master at this craft and her skill was well appreciated by area antique collectors. Mildred loved her family and she enjoyed putting her special touches on holiday celebrations. Her Thanksgiving dinner set the standard for future generations of Hayeses. She was a good neighbor to her pals on West Broadway and Battell Streets, enjoying their love and companionship for many decades. She was a dedicated caretaker to her husband Tom during his final illness. She was also a caretaker to many other friends as well.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Eldon and Pearl Schafer; her husband, Thomas; her daughter, Helen; her brothers, Ralph, Roy, Charles and Glenn “Pete;” and her sister, Mary. Surviving Mildred are her sons, Thomas J. (Jeannie) Hayes of South Bend and Robert L. (Carol) Hayes of Mishawaka; her brothers, Howard (Nina) Schafer of Bremen and Lyle (Jean) Schafer of Palo Alto, CA; and two sisters-in-law, Valjune and Dorothy Schafer, both of Lakeville. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren; and over one hundred nieces and nephews.