Marjorie Catherine Hays

Marjorie (Marge) Catherine Hays, née Wollmer, 81, passed away on February 25, 2020, at the home, she shared with her daughter and son-in-law Michael in Waterford, Wisconsin, after a protracted battle with dementia. Marge was born on July 11, 1938, in West Allis, Wisconsin, to Viola and George Wollmer; she was a devoted sister to her brothers, Ronald and Richard. She was the loving widow of Richard Hays who was sorely missed by Marge each and every day since his passing. She was a graduate of Pius XI High School in Milwaukee and completed a course in Nursing Assistant and Geriatric Technician training.

Marge is survived by her three children, Mark Plane, Michele Tompkins (spouse Michael), and Daniel Plane (spouse Emma). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Catherine, Kimberly, and Danielle Edwards-Plane; David, Veronica, and Mark Kesner; Ruben Plane; and Magdelena Catherine Plane Palau (“Blue,” born January 27, 2020), and by her nephews and nieces, Eric, Stephen, Susan Wollmer; and Daren and Jason Gaspard; and Nichole Baird.

Throughout her working life, Marge was a caring and dedicated nursing assistant, working at St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee, Hartford Memorial Hospital in Hartford, and the Lutheran Home for the Aging in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During her long career, she often volunteered time to comfort aged patients without family or friends to visit them; her greatest concern was that patients not die alone and unmourned. In retirement, while her health allowed, she continued volunteering with nursing home residents.

Marge and her beloved husband Richard spent many memorable days at Wisconsin’s state parks and campgrounds in their trusty camper, often playing the part of campground host. Touring nearby towns and scenic attractions was one of their favorite pastimes. Her grandchildren often accompanied them on camping trips and enjoyed their time camping and riding in grandma and grandpa’s golf cart.

Marge was a life-long, dedicated cat lover. One of her fondest childhood memories was of caring for thirteen cats and kittens; there were so many that her father built a small shed in the yard for them to live. While cats were always a part of her life, more recently she became a dog lover as well. The whole family has many fond memories—and an enormous number of photos and videos—of Marge spoiling her daughter’s cats and dogs. Marge could always be counted on to share her food with the dogs—which were otherwise on a strict diet.

Marjorie passed peacefully at the home of her daughter and best friend Michele, surrounded by her family, her dear friend Tim Goldschmidt, and her beloved furry friends, including Percy who devotedly stayed by her side day and night during the last days of her life. Percy was so dedicated to this final task for his loving owner that he had his meals served to him in bed by mom because he refused to leave her side.

A private memorial service for Marjorie was held.

The family would like to thank the nurses and the staff at Fox River Home Care of Waterford and Horizon Home Hospice, especially Vincenza and Amy for their kind and loving care towards mom and our family.