Renee Katherine Hayes

Renee Katherine Hayes

August 01, 1947 - November 12, 2022

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Obituary

MADISON - Renee “Cookie” Hayes, age 75, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, after fighting numerous health issues while keeping her sense of humor intact. She was born on Aug. 1, 1947, in Minneapolis, Minn.


Renee graduated from Pepin High School in 1965. After moving to Madison she eventually went to work as a telephone operator with AT&T. She enjoyed being a member of the AT&T Pioneers. She retired from AT&T in 1999.


Renee is survived by her daughter, Nadine Hayes of Sacramento, Calif.; and her adored Minnesota cousins, Dick, Christy, Aleda and Julie.


Renee loved to read and passed this love on to her daughter. They made many cherished trips to the library. Travel was one of Renee’s passions. She took numerous memorable trips with her daughter including to her dream destination of Israel in 1995. Renee had an adventurous spirit showcased by taking a summer job in Yellowstone National Park after retiring from AT&T, as well as helping her daughter move across country in 2015 by driving the moving van! She had a lifelong love of animals and was a wonderful fur mom to many cats over the years. She befriended her neighborhood dogs as well as their owners. Renee had made close friends in her corner of her apartment complex. These ladies’ kindness allowed her to stay a few extra years in her beloved apartment.


Renee was a great friend with a kind and giving heart. She was loved by many and will be very missed.


A celebration of life will be held at THE COTTAGES COMMUNITY ROOM, 5165 Taylor Road, McFarland, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dane County Humane Society.


Thank you to Agrace HospiceCare for their wonderful care and assistance. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420


Events

19
Celebration of Life
Sat Nov 19, 2022 @ 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
The Cottages • 5165 Taylor Road, McFarland, WI 53558
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Renee
CP
Colleen Pucillo
Other •
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Deanie. Your mother was a kind, generous and thoughtful lady. She will be missed.
SS
Sandy Skornicka
Other •
Renee, you were more than a friend, you were like my sister. Together we had so much fun, and when that stopped and you needed my help, I was there to help in so many ways, loved every minute we spent together. We will always have part of each other’s heart. Rest In Peace my dear dear friend. Sandy Skornicka
HS
Heather Spurley
Other •
Sending love to you in this difficult time, Nadine. May the love you had for each other and the memories filled with laughter and many adventures you had together bring you comfort.
SH
Shawny Holcomb
Other •
Nadine, I was sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. While I didn't know her personally I know you were very close to her. I also know that you were a very loving and caring daughter. I am glad you were able to be there for her in the end and say good bye. Cherish the memories. Hugs, Shawny
SH
Summer Higgins
Other •
Nadine, may your happy memories of your mother be a blessing to you. I‘m sure she loved you so much and was so grateful for all that you did to care for her. - Summer
DM
Deborah Mink
Other •
I remember Renee as a cheerful, fun colleague at Wisconsin Telephone 📞 just Square on W. Main in Madison. We were the last cord-board telephone operators there. Then we pioneered in a TSPS team on West Washington. Soon after that move, technology began to steal away the best parts of the job including the fun, friendliest customers. When the office closed in 1998, I took off to live in Minneapolis. With my parents’ health failing in 2013, I moved back to help and landed directly across the courtyard from Renee in the Cottages of McFarland! Her presence was comforting even though I was busy and sad and sick too much of that time to visit. Hang in there, Nadine! I am glad to have gotten to know you a bit directly at AT&T too, if memory serves me? Take care now, one day at a time, one hour at a time, hey?

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