Joan (Harding) Hays, 92 of Binghamton, NY passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Saturday June 17th 2023. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, George; her daughter, Carolyn (Tom) Harding; her son in law Joseph Bayer; also survived by family whom she loved dearly, Brandon (Kari) Wheeler, Meganne (Steven) Luecke, Shannon Wheeler, Patrick Bayer, and Tom’s son, Patrick (Carly) and their son Evan; her brother Dr. John Harding; her sister-in-law, Faith Angulas; her dear cousin Rev. Charles P. Connor; as well as many nieces, nephews, lifelong friends, and a large extended family. She was predeceased by her daughter, Mary Jo Bayer; her parents, Ezra and Ann Harding; her brother and sister-in-law, Tom and June Harding; nephew, Tommy Harding; sisters-in-law, Sylvia and Marie Harding; brother-in-law Peter Angulas. After graduating from St Paul’s High School in 1948, Joan worked for many years for the NYS Telephone Company and later as a medical receptionist for Drs. Harding and O’Brien. Her Catholic faith was very important to her, it was the cornerstone in which she lived every day of her life. Joan was a lifelong member of Saints John and Andrew parish where she attended daily Mass, lead the Rosary, lectured, and participated in Eucharistic Adoration. She volunteered in her community with the Perpetual Adoration Society at St. Patrick’s Church, Ladies of Charity, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and Mom’s House where she was actively involved in selfless acts of service and tirelessly worked on behalf of others. Her love, kindness, compassion, and empathy towards others was unparalleled. She had an extensive prayer list of people she prayed the rosary for daily. Joan had a way of lighting up the room with her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. She was a talented piano player and loved family sing -a- longs the most. She loved to dance, she especially loved tap dancing. She found great joy participating in the shows with The Rock Bottom Players. Joan loved animals but especially dogs, greeting her in heaven are her sweet family dogs, Sam, Missy, Buddy, Janie, Gracie, Moochie and GiGi. She will be dearly missed by all those who loved her. Joan received wonderful care from Lourdes Hospice in her final months. We are eternally grateful for the loving care she received from them and her angels, the girls who helped care for her at home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Saints John and Andrew Church, 1263 Vestal Ave Binghamton, NY on Tuesday June 27, 2023 at 10:30 am. Immediately following Mass, a private family burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City, NY. There will be no calling hours at Joan’s request. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to True Friends Animal Shelter 16332 PA- Route 706 Montrose, PA 18801 or to Lourdes Hospice 4102 Vestal Rd Vestal, NY 13850 in Joan’s name, or consider doing random acts of kindness for others in honor of Joan.