Mary A. (Metzger) Hayes

Mary A. (Metzger) Hayes, 97, of New Cumberland, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 24, 2021 in UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital from natural causes.

Mary met her future husband, Daniel while they were both stationed at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas at the end of WWII where Mary was part of the WWII Women’s Army Corp. After the war, they settled originally near Daniel’s family in New York City to begin their family that eventually included five children. In 1965, the family moved to New Cumberland, PA for Daniel’s job at the New Cumberland Army Depot. Much of Mary’s life was spent raising her family and tending to grandchildren as they came along over the years. Later on, she took a job at the Cedar Cliff McDonald’s in the early shift and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and bantering with the regulars who came every day for breakfast. The family were long-time parishioners of St. Theresa Catholic Church in New Cumberland, and for many years, she enjoyed playing weekly Bingo at the St. Theresa School Social Hall. She was also an avid New York Mets fan. Mary remained at home, sharp-minded and quick-witted to her final day and the family is very grateful for the help she received in the last year from her two caretakers, Christine and Joy, as well as the great workouts she had with her personal trainer, Jesse.

Mary was born in Marion, OH, the daughter of the late Walter P. and Catherine (Quinn) Metzger, the oldest in a family of 8 children. She enjoyed a very close relationship to her father’s sister, Edna who worked professionally for the Erie Railroad and Mary spent summer vacations and other times with her during her youth. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Daniel E. Hayes, Jr., oldest son Daniel E. Hayes, III, her brother Frank Metzger, her sisters Cathy Capone and Patty Baker.

Mary is survived by her children, Michael P. Hayes of New Cumberland, Kathleen E. Snell of New Cumberland, Anne T. Hayes of Denver, CO and Brian F. Hayes of Middletown; her siblings, David Metzger, Jack Metzger, Margie Bolan and Barbara Myers. Mary is also survived by her seven grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Friday, May 28, 2021 in St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1300 Bridge St. New Cumberland, PA. A private burial will be held by the family in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions in Mary’s memory to Ronald McDonald House Charities, Inc., 26345 Network Place Chicago, IL 60673-1263 or https://www.rmhc.org/donate .