It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother Wanda Jane Hayes, a loving mother and a remarkable woman. Mom passed peacefully in her 98th year, in the company of family on March 25, 2026. Wanda was the youngest and third child of Hadley and Eulaline Coles. Her older siblings were brother Cameron Coles and sister Erma Jones.
Wanda married her lifetime love Maurice Victor Frederick Hayes in September 1950. Her sons and their partners, David and Jean-Guy, Mark and Joanne, and John and Maggie were always her priority. Except of course her beloved grandchildren Lauren and Cameron, and more recently Maggie’s son Brad and Lauren’s fiancé Noah.
Wanda and her sister Erma were inseparable all their lives. After losing Maurice to a sudden illness in 1990, Wanda was fortunate to meet Will Geerts who grew to become a longtime loving companion. Will’s family welcomed Mom with open arms and subsequently also became a big part of her life. Together the three of them were a team that travelled together and enjoyed many forms of entertainment. For many years they made an annual trek to Victoria. During these extended visits Wanda, initiated the tradition of walking to Beacon Hill Park and kicking the flagpole. Something her family continues today.
In 2021, Wanda made the move across country to Victoria where she became a resident at Carlton House in Oak Bay. She embraced the move and quickly became a well-liked member of the Carlton community. All her life Wanda was well known for her dynamic spirit, and sharp sense of humour which she frequently shared with her newfound Carlton House friend group and staff. She was very proud of her balcony garden.
A reception in her honour will be held on Thursday, April 9th at the Carlton House of Oak Bay, 2080 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria, BC V8R 6W2.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Hayes” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Leola (Lee) Baskerville
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Louise Sidley To Cuz Wanda’s family,
My mom, Lorna Aziz, and I are deeply saddened to hear of her dear cousin Wanda’s (CW) passing and offer our condolences to her family. They were not only cousins but the best of friends.
We’d like to communicate outside of this platform but have lost touch with how to do this outside of Wanda’s contact information. Wanda was one of my favourite people in the whole world. Mom’s too.
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Kevin Nonomura To the Hayes family,
We were very saddened to hear of the passing of your Mom. She was a dear friend of our Mom (and Dad) for over 50 years. After our Mom’s passing, we kept in contact and enjoyed our visit with her while in Victoria in 2023.
We have fond memories of the Hayes family joining us at our Mom & Dad’s for the annual New Year’s Day Japanese feast and the traditional exchange of the ugly flat faced doll.
Please accept our deepest and heartfelt condolences,
Kevin & Denise Nonomura
I will always remember the stories my mother “Cousin Dora” told of the adventures with Wanda and Erma often Lorna too. My condolences to all of the Hayes family.