Colleen Annette Hayward Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Colleen Annette Hayward, 72, of Essexville, our wonderful and loving wife, mother, Mimi, sister, aunt, and friend to all was born into eternal life on Monday, June 13, 2022 at McLaren Bay Region. Colleen was born in Bay City on May 17, 1950, the daughter of the late Virgil and Lucille (Hages) Doriean. A 1968 graduate of Garber High School, Colleen’s class was the first to attend the new high school for all four years. On May 22, 1971, Colleen was united in marriage to the love of her life, Keith Dennis Hayward. When they married the phrase stay-at-home-mom did not exist. It was typical for women to stay home to raise the children while their husbands worked. But even by the standards of the era, Colleen was an exceptional wife and mother. She loved her family deeply and took great delight in caring for those around her. Colleen and Keith were the best of friends who enjoyed a happy marriage and spending time together. For the past few years, while both dealt with numerous health issues, they were grateful to share the same room at Bay County Medical Care Facility. Though Colleen’s health was failing for years, few people knew the extent to which she struggled. Colleen’s joy for life and positive spirit kept her pushing through the pain. Colleen kept a beautiful home and made sure every visitor felt like they were a part of her family; always making sure her door was open to anyone who needed anything. Colleen enjoyed many hobbies in life, including cooking, playing the piano and bowling, but most of all, time spent with her family. She was exceptionally close with her daughter, grandchildren, siblings, in-laws, and her many nieces, nephews, and their families. Colleen had a quick wit, charming personality and always made people around her feel special. She and Keith were typically the last to leave any event, as she always needed a few more minutes to chat. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, nurturing mother, and adoring grandmother. Colleen’s unwavering love for her family will forever live on. To carry on her legacy, Colleen leaves her faithful husband of over 50 years, Keith Hayward, and her only child, Heather (Lonnie) Gallegos. Colleen was the most loving and supportive Mimi of Hayden Gallegos, Gabriella Gallegos, Antonio (Aerolyn) Gallegos, and Tyler (Noelle) Gallegos, who were her pride and joy. Also surviving are her siblings, Vince (Barb) Doriean, Kay (George) Rozek, and Jan (Rick) Timpe; in-laws, Christine (Joe) Neering, Chuck (Judi) Hayward, Linda Yon, Tina (Dave) Grischke, and Fred (Donna) Kukla, along with many nieces, nephews, and their families. In addition to her parents, Colleen was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Delores (Anderson) Hayward, and her sister-in-law, Sheryl Kukla. Colleen’s family will be present to receive visitors on Sunday, June 19, 2022 from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM with a 5:00 PM Vigil at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 821 N. Pine Rd., between Ridge & Center. On Monday, June 20, 2022, Colleen will be taken to St. Jude Thaddeus Parish (St. John the Evangelist Church), where she was a lifelong parishioner, and visiting will continue from 10:00 AM until Colleen’s 11:00 AM Funeral Liturgy. Fr. Dale Orlik will preside with a reception following in The Wesley Room at Skorupski’s. The Rite of Committal will be held privately in St. Patrick Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Thaddeus Parish or the Alzheimer’s Association. The entire family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Bay County Medical Care Facility and McLaren Bay Region, especially Nurse Judy, for their compassionate care through the years. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.

Colleen Annette Hayward

May 17, 1950 - June 13, 2022