Christine Michelli Hayes was born in Independence, Louisiana to Joe and Angelina Saragusa Michelli and died peacefully February 14, 2018. She is survived by her sister, Anna Mercante (Emile) whom she loved very much and together they shared a love of gardening and cooking.  She is preceded in death by her brothers Frank and Joseph and her “Angel” grandson Justin Hayes. Chris graduated from Hammond High School and received a B. Ed from Southeastern University and a M. Ed from Loyola University, New Orleans. Her last thirty years of teaching were at Riverdale Middle School teaching Physical Education, Drivers Education, coaching and counseling. Chris was a loving and devoted mother to her sons, Gary and Evan (Tracy), and to her grandchildren Madeline (Codie), Grant, and Lulu, great-grandchildren Ava and Gracyn; her nephews Nat Mercante, D.D.S (Elaine), Emile Mercante, Jr. (Lilah), Bradley Michelli (Nancy), and niece Diana Donald (Vic) who held an enormous place in her heart; remaining uncle, Tony Saragusa was her hero; her cousins Linda Duke (Snicker), Christine Terrell, Phiney Yenni (Sal), Johanna Vogelsanger (Tommy), Salvador Saragusa (Barbara), and Mary Ann Lowry provided her with fun and laughter. Ruth Mitchell, Barbara Sanford and Mary Wardlaw, best friends for almost 50 years, were very important to her as was her extended family Bo, Mary Lloyd and Camille Allen who lit up her life, along with her furry companion Trudy. She also owes many thanks to Mary Barze, her friend and helper on the farm for more than 60 years. She had other old and dear friends, too many to mentioned including her Les Amis members. Chris was an avid cook, gardener and traveler. She loved preparing meals for others, and sharing what she reaped from her garden. Whether she traveled near or far she loved every minute of the sights and sounds around her. Chris was a member of Saint Rita of Cascia Church of Harahan for more than 50 years and was an active member of the Ladies Altar Society. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at the Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Dr. in Metairie, LA on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 12:00 pm with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, 908 Western Ave. in Hammond, LA. Online condolences may be offered at www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

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