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Helen Marie Hayes (nee Potter), 86, longtime resident of Salem, Ohio and only recently of Concord, California, passed away on Aug. 12, 2026, due to complications related to Alzheimer's disease.
Although she died in California, her heart was always in Salem. In fact, her daughter named her room "Salem" just so she could answer Helen's oft-repeated question truthfully, "Is this Salem," with a yes.
Helen was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Dec. 1, 1939, to Roscoe "Robert" Luce and Frances Elizabeth "Betty" (Frost) Potter. After moves to Pittsburgh and Canton, the Potter family settled in Salem; and Helen graduated from Salem High School in 1957. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Mount Union College in 1962 and Master of Science in Education from Youngstown State University in 1978. Helen was also selected into the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation's scholar program at Kent State University, a program that recognizes outstanding professional educators.
Teaching was not just a career for Helen: it was her true calling. Helen was one of Salem's longest serving high school mathematics teachers. During her 33-year teaching career, she taught pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry, leaving an enduring impact on generations of Salem graduates. Helen possessed a remarkable talent for making complex mathematical concepts clear and accessible, even famously using chocolate donuts to explain the quadratic equation. Cherished by her students and deeply respected as a mentor to colleagues, she was dedicated to providing every student with the support needed to achieve their full potential.
After retiring from the classroom in 1997, Helen accepted a position as the office coordinator for the Salem High School Alumni Association. For two decades, she was the welcoming face of the Alumni office, a tenure that culminated in being named the 2017 Honored Alumnus. In this role, she leaned into her deep local roots and the enduring bonds she built with former students. Her care for others extended to the entire community. She seemed to know everyone, and if she didn't know them directly, she knew their parents, their neighbors, or had taught their children in school.
When she retired the second time, Helen traveled with friends throughout Europe and the United Kingdom and made frequent trips to visit her daughter in California, her closest friend in Arizona, and her sons in Pittsburgh and Chicago. She had a no-nonsense style and a dry wit; she was compassionate, loving, and steadfastly devoted, always prepared to offer her unwavering support whenever friends and family were in need. And, if all else failed, Helen firmly believed that a couple of scoops of ice cream could solve everything.
Helen was predeceased by her husband of 58 years Charlie Hayes, her parents Bob and Betty Potter, and her brother Robert Lincoln Potter. She is survived by her daughter Heidimarie Rambo (David Yaroch); her sons David (Stephanie) Hayes and Chad (Geovanna) Hayes; her grandsons, Zachary (Anna) Hayes, Nicholas (Alaina) Hayes, and Michael (Sarah) Rambo; her granddaughter Julissa de la Roca; and her great-granddaughter Presley Hayes. She is also survived by her sister Carolyn Potter Funk, her sisters-in law Ruth Potter and JoEllen (Donald) Shimek, and many nieces and nephews.
The family will hold a celebration of life for both Helen and Charlie Hayes (who passed away in January) on Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Salem, Ohio. There will be a reception with light refreshments immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall of the church. The family is grateful for the comfort and support given to Helen by the staff at Lexington Place in Salem and Belrose Senior Care Home in Concord, California.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Salem High School Alumni Association in Helen and Charlie's names.
Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services. To view this obituary and send condolences visit www.starkmemorial.com.
9/2/26