Esther Mae Hays

Mrs Esther Mae Hays

Esther Mae (Wheelock) Hays, New Hartford, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Rome Health with thoughts of loved ones she looks forward to reuniting with on her mind.

Esther was born April 17, 1933, the second of nine children of the late Donald Ward and Bertha Mae (Clements) Wheelock. She grew up on a dairy farm in Litchfield and actively participated in all aspects of farm life.

Esther was introduced to the love of her life, Edward Hays, by a mutual friend, the late Denny Entwistle. They married on July 29, 1961, at St. Mary's Church in Frankfort, and made their home on Joslin Hill Road in Frankfort, and later on Silver Street in Litchfield before moving to their daughter's home in New Hartford.

Esther enjoyed a 10-year career at General Electric working in technical publications. When her two daughters were born, she focused on homemaking and supporting their education and activities. She actively participated as a home room mom and Special Olympics volunteer to encourage her daughter Pamela's interest in swimming and other sports. She returned to work as a switchboard operator at Mohawk Valley General Hospital in Ilion once her children had grown. She also served on committees for Rome DDSO and Gan Kavod advocating for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Esther enjoyed researching her family history. She was a founding member of the Mohawk Valley Chapter of the Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, at one time was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Frankfort Chapter.

Esther is survived by her husband, Ed, and daughter, Patti; siblings Donna (Darryl) Gillette, Leon Wheelock, Bernie (Olivia) Wheelock and Lyle (Gloria) Wheelock, and in-laws Audrey and Cindy Wheelock and Doris Hays. as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Pamela, and siblings Ethel (Stanley) Lupinski, Ward Wheelock, Beryl (Larry) Evans, Donald G. Wheelock, and in-laws Carol Ann Wheelock, Robert Hays, Donald (Bertha) Hays, Barbara (Harold) Richer, Beverly Smithers and Doris (Bob) Humphrey.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:30 AM in Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, S. Frankfort St., Frankfort will be celebrated by the Rev. Paul Catena, Pastor. Spring interment will be in Kinne Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

The family would like to thank the staff of Cedarbrook, Sitrin Rehab, Brookdale Clinton Memory Care, and Rome Health for their kindness, compassion and attentiveness to Esther's needs. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to support employee recognition at one of these facilities. Information can be obtained from the funeral home.

Donations to Cedarbrook and Sitrin Rehab can be sent to Sitrin Foundation, c/o Marc DePerno, PO Box 1000, New Hartford, NY 13413 - note "for employee recognition"

Donations to Rome Health can be sent to Rome Health, 1500 North James Street, Rome, NY 13440 - note "for employee recognition"

Donations to Brookdale must be made out to "Brookdale Clinton Employee Holiday Fund" and can be mailed to Brookdale Clinton Memory Care, 115 Brookside Dr., Clinton, NY 13323Envelopes will be available in the Church Vestibule on the morning of mass or can be acquired at V.J.Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc, 203 Second Ave., Frankfort. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Esther's online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com

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