Shirley M. Hayes

Shirley M. (Glass) Hayes, a longtime resident of Melrose and dedicated nurse, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, with her loving daughter by her side. She was 93.

Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on September 27, 1932, Shirley was one of four children of the late John G. and Wilhemina M. (Cargill) Glass. Raised along the seacoast, she carried a lifelong love of the ocean throughout her life. Shirley graduated from the Elliot Hospital School of Nursing in Manchester, NH, and later earned her undergraduate degree in Nursing from Boston University. Driven by a calling to serve others, she enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving in Germany as a nurse before her honorable discharge. While still serving in the Army Reserves, she met Melrose native and the love of her life, G. Fred Hayes. The two were married on May 6, 1967 in Portsmouth, and together they made their home in Melrose, where they raised two children and built a life grounded in mutual respect, easy laughter, and humble dedication.

Nursing was not merely Shirley's profession, it was her vocation and her gift. She began her career in Boston hospitals and community housing, caring for those most in need, balancing compassion with great competence. Later, as she raised her young family, she continued working night shifts closer to home at the Normandy House in Melrose and later as a Visiting Nurse. She was beloved by her patients and respected by her colleagues for her dedication, often giving herself to others not out of duty, but from the deep kindness of her heart.

Shirley was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Melrose for over 50 years. With a gentle spirit, but a subtle strength she was a steadfast and happy volunteer in every aspect of church life. She was always there to offer her support or cook a meal for anyone in need and made many dear connections with fellow members who became lifelong friends.

Though Melrose became her home, Shirley's heart never drifted far from the sea or from her roots in Portsmouth, NH. Summers often drew her back to Wallis Sands Beach in Rye, NH, or the rocky shores of Maine. Even from her porch in Melrose, she found peace imagining the coastline she loved. Shirley was also deeply proud of her Scottish heritage where her parents were born, and never missed an opportunity to share her love of Scotland. A crafter and knitter, Shirley's creativity was another reflection of her nurturing spirit. She loved making ornaments, decorations, and handmade gifts for family and friends, now to be forever treasured.

Shirley will be remembered as sweet, caring, gracious, and endlessly considerate. She was a devoted wife, mother, and friend who always had an open door, a warm meal, and a loving word for anyone who needed it. She cared tenderly for her family, her patients, her friends, and even her beloved dogs and cats, all of whom returned her affection in kind.

Shirley will be remembered for her healing hands, her ocean-loving heart, and the quiet strength she carried from her Scottish roots. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate to know her. May she rest in peace.

Shirley was the cherished wife of the late G. "Fred" Hayes with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Cheryl A. Hayes of Stoneham, and the late Brian F. Hayes. Loving sister the late John Glass and Marilyn Beals and her late husband Ernie. Beloved aunt of Lynne Beals and her partner Frank Thomas of GA, Doug Beals and his wife Audrey of AL, Sal Gross and her husband Jim of CO, Alan Beals and his wife Catti of AL, and Glenn Hayes and his wife Michelle of VT. Great aunt of Leah, Jeff, Sarah, Daniel, Nicholas, Jennifer, and the late Jonathan.

Family and friends are invited to gather in honor of Shirley during Visiting Hours at Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Sunday, Oct. 26 from 2-5pm, and for her Funeral Service at the First United Methodist Church, 645 Main St., Melrose, celebrated on Monday, Oct. 27 at 10am. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Gifts may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 645 Main St., Melrose, MA. 02176.