Jo-Anne (Hayes) Carr

Jo-Anne (Hayes) Carr, “Mum” to her children, “Nanny” to her grandchildren, and “Sam” to her friends everywhere, died peacefully at home on Thursday, December 29. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Douglas S. Carr, Jr., and her four loving children: Heather Carr Reiter and her husband Tim of Whitinsville; Ian D. Carr and his wife Anne Marie of Centerville, MA; Bonnie Carr O’Neill and her husband Bryan of Starkville, MS; and Meagan Carr Washington and her husband Aaron of Whitinsville. Nanny had ten amazing grandchildren whom she loved and loved to brag about: Andrew, Keith, Maggie, and Timothy Reiter; Doug, Tricia, and Sean Carr; Rex O’Neill; and Kailyn and Izzy Washington; a sister, Barbara LeClaire of Milford; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother, William Hayes.

Sam was born in Whitinsville, July 21, 1945, a daughter of William F. and Marion (Messier) Hayes. She grew up in Uxbridge and graduated from Uxbridge High School in 1963. She lived in Whitinsville since 1966, and she graduated from Worcester State College in 1967.

Sam’s life was busy, productive, and remarkable. She taught elementary school in Northfield, VT, and Northbridge, and she was a librarian at the Whitinsville Social Library and a teller and customer service representative at UniBank in Whitinsville. She subsequently worked as Assistant to the College Archivist at the College of the Holy Cross for 20 years. For many years she was a mainstay in operating her family’s business. 

In addition to working and raising her family, Sam found time for many other interests. A longtime member of the Village Congregational Church, she practiced her faith by serving on the diaconate, as Sunday School Superintendent, and on pastoral search committees. Sam was a Cub Scout Den Mother; she loved getting her hands dirty gardening; she refinished furniture; and she was a talented and prolific cross-stitcher. Sam loved all things Scottish, warm-weather beaches, the sun on her face, and in recent years, her vacation home in Florida. Sam loved to listen to music, and she and Doug were lifetime dance partners, especially when a doo-wop song was played. 

All of this was secondary, however, to the unconditional love, support, wisdom and humor that she gave in abundance to her family. We all miss her, honor her, and strive to make her proud of us. 

Calling hours for Sam will be held on January 5th from 4-7PM at the Carr Funeral Home, 24 Hill Street, Whitinsville. Sam’s funeral will be held on Friday, January 6th at 11AM in the Village Congregational Church, 5 Church Street, Whitinsville. A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Northbridge Association of Churches Food Pantry, 20 Highland Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588. 

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