Lauren Elizabeth Hayes

Our little angel, Lauren Elizabeth Hayes, 19, of Biloxi, went home to be in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and her Paw-Paw Nidgy on Saturday, May 6, 2006. Lauren was born on September 28, 1986, in Biloxi and was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. She was a student in Biloxi Public School District's Homebound Studies program. Lauren loved to paint, color, play cards and games such as "Splat", and create sand art, beautiful pictures and jewelry for her many family and friends. Lauren underwent surgery in 1993 for a brain tumor and although she visited the hospital many times with numerous complications and illnesses, she maintained a joyous spirit that brightened the lives of everyone she met. God continued to bless Lauren with the mentality of a seven year old child, which allowed her to carry on a fulfilled life enjoying everything she did while bringing sunshine into the lives of all those she knew. Lauren was preceded in death by her grandfather, George H. (Nidgy) Pelaez, Sr. Survivors include her loving and devoted mother, Maria Pelaez Hayes; her step-dad, Don Picolo of Biloxi; her father, Thomas M. Hayes of Shirley, NY; two sisters, Madison and Kelsey Picolo of Biloxi; two half-sisters, Tracey and Sara Hayes of NY; a half-brother, Thomas Hayes of NY; her grandmother, Rita Kuluz Pelaez of Biloxi; her grandparents, Mark and Leona Hayes of Shirley, NY; aunts and uncles, George and Sharon Pelaez, Billy and Laurie Johnston of Biloxi, Tammy and Carl(Buck) Lizana of Gulfport, and Janelle and Bobby Benson of Huntsville, AL; as well as numerous cousins, family and friends. The family would like to thank the staff of Singing River Hospital System especially Dr. Gina Wierzbicka, Dr. Teddy Millette, Dr. Altaf Jamal, Dr. John McCloskey, the third floor pediatric nurses, and her homebound nurses and teachers for helping Lauren live a happy life. The family also extends a special thank you to Dr. Matthew Kuluz for all of his love and support through the years. Lauren truly loved with all her heart and was loved by all who knew her. We will miss her kind gentle spirit, her hearty laugh and beautiful smile but we find comfort in knowing she is finally at peace. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at 3:00pm in Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Cathedral in Biloxi where friends may visit two hours prior to service time. Burial to follow in Biloxi City Cemetery. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes Pass Road in charge of arrangements.