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

Renee Katherine Hayes

August 01, 1947 - November 12, 2022

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