Obituary

Elizabeth B. Hayes

Tue, 02/17/2015 - 10:30am

Elizabeth B. "Bogie" Hayes, 89, of Essex, Connecticut died peacefully Feb. 8, 2015, surrounded by her loving family.

Bogie was born and raised in Englewood, New Jersey, the fourth of Louise Christine Laue and Daniel Gilliam Bogert's five daughters. During her childhood, many happy summers were spent at Ogontz Camp in New Hampshire, where she excelled at horseback riding. Music was a big part of her life, singing, playing piano and French horn. She was a graduate of Englewood public schools and Connecticut College.

During college, she met Coast Guard Academy Cadet John B. "Jack" Hayes, and they married in June 1947. Their Coast Guard career spanned 35 years, culminating in her role as wife of the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.

While her primary jobs were supporting Jack's career and raising her children, Bogie nurtured other interests as well. She trained as a literacy volunteer, worked with Meals on Wheels, was active with Coast Guard wives clubs, did crewel work, swam, played tennis and golf, and was primary caretaker of all the loved family dogs and birds. A rowing shell at the Coast Guard Academy was named for her. She christened two other ships, the Louisiana in Germany, and the USCG Cutter Bear.

After retirement, Bogie and Jack moved first to Anchorage, Alaska, and then to her dream home in Boothbay Harbor. She was a faithful member of the Episcopal Church throughout her life. While in Maine, she played an active role at St. Columba's, supporting its growth from a mission church to becoming a full-fledged parish with its own building. She sang in the choir and served on the Bishop's Committee and Altar Guild. Bogie and Jack were also active in many other Boothbay Harbor events.

Bogie was predeceased by her parents, her four sisters, and her husband.

She is survived by her four children, Christie Hayes of Niantic, Connecticut, John and wife, Cathy Hayes, of Aldie, Virginia, Bill and wife, Kim Hayes, of Edmonds, Washington, and Ginny Hayes and husband, Joe Ross, of Juneau, Alaska. "Grammy" also leaves seven grandchildren, Mathew and Adam, Evan, Shane and Karsten, and Cate and Maggie; and great-grandchildren, Emory, Briggs, Lucas and Justin.

Because of Bogie's extraordinarily accepting and welcoming nature, there is also a large extended family all over the world. It consists of her Coast Guard family, a large exchange student family from Denmark and Australia, and many of her children's friends. She is held in many hearts.

A Requiem Eucharist was celebrated Feb. 14 at St. John's Episcopal Church, Niantic. Condolences and fond memories may be expressed in the online guest book at www.theday.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Admiral John B. and Bogie Hayes Fund, U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association, 47 Mohegan Ave., New London, CT 06320; St. John's Episcopal Church, 400 Main St., P.O. Box 810, Niantic, CT 06357; St. Columba's Episcopal Church, 32 Emery Lane, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.