BRADFORD - Judi passed away peacefully at home on November 23, surrounded by her loving family; concluding a year-and-a-half battle with brain cancer. She was the beloved wife of John A. Hayes Jr. of 38 years, with whom they had four loving children.

She was born at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, on September 6, 1954 to John and Margaret (Lacouter) Harvey. She attended St. Rita's and St. Monica's elementary schools, and St. Mary's High School in Lawrence. Judi valued education and leadership, serving in student council leadership and becoming instrumental in the annual conference for the Massachusetts Association of Student Councils.

Judi continued her education at Boston College, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Speech Science and Elementary Education graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1976. She was active in the student community and served as a Residence Assistant during her time on campus and as an alumnus, she maintained a lifetime of commitment to the college, both in service and as a loyal fan of her treasured BC Eagles.

She began her career working in the Methuen Public Schools as a second-grade teacher while earning her Master's Degree in Speech / Language Pathology from Northeastern University. Judi completed her Master's Degree in 1981, and would help students master their speech, language, and communication over the next 34 years, first in the Methuen Public Schools, and later in the Andover Public Schools - from where she would retire in 2014. Judi was a pioneer in promoting job-sharing within the area schools, a way to allow mothers to be home with their children. She was active in teachers' union causes, making sure teachers were given a fair bargain for their work.

Judi loved spending time with her family, whether at Seabrook Beach, NH, The Bradford Swim Club, or organizing gatherings of friends like family. Judi served on the Sacred Hearts School Board for 10 years, as well as on the board of directors for the Bradford Swim Club (BSC) and was a long-time supporter of the BSC Swimming and Diving Teams. She was a longtime parishioner of Sacred Hearts Parish in Bradford.

During Judi's brave fight, she continued to help others. Judi with the assistance of her husband and dear colleagues at West Elementary School collected and donated children's books for patients and families to enjoy on the MGH neuroscience floors. In honor of her strength as #JudiStrong, she inspired a successful Boston Marathon fundraising drive for Home Away Boston, Inc. to keep families together while fighting childhood cancers. Judi truly believed that in giving of ourselves, we receive.

Judi leaves behind her husband of 38 years, John A. Hayes, Jr. of Bradford; four children, Meaghan of Rockland, MA, and fiance Paul Leoncavallo, Bridget and husband Michael Clifford of Haverhill, Patrick and longtime girlfriend Jennifer Roche of Bradford, and Colleen of Dorchester. Devoted sister Gail Brain and husband Richard of Rye, NH and her twin sister Margaret (Peggy) Harvey of Seabrook Beach, NH. Her loving cousin Patricia Jennings of Haverhill; and beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 27, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main St., Bradford from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. A private Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday in Sacred Hearts Church, followed by a private burial service in Linwood Cemetery. Please join with the Hayes family for a Memorial Mass in Judi's memory on Saturday, December 3, in Sacred Hearts Church, Bradford at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Judi's memory to a trust that has been established at the Methuen Federal Credit Union, 248 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844, to benefit the research of her care team at Massachusetts General Hospital. For online guestbook, please visit www.driscollcares.com