Age 76.

Carol Madej Hays of Farmington Hills passed away on January 29, 2026. Born December 22, 1949, she was the daughter of Steven “Sonny” and Helen Madej, both of whom preceded her in death, and the sister of Mark Madej. She shared 21 years of marriage with her late husband, Chuck Hays – a partnership defined by laughter and an unmistakable opposites-attract dynamic. Carol was also preceded in death by her cherished friend, Shirley Pudney Eilers. In later years, she shared her life with her companion, Dan O’Grady. Carol was fiercely loved by her many nieces and nephews and extended family, all of whom knew her as generous, sharp-witted, and never shy about sharing a strong opinion - especially if she thought she was right (which was always). She was deeply proud of her Polish heritage, and her love lives on in the family recipes she passed down, forever present when pierogi are pinched and Gołąbki are rolled. She earned her undergraduate degree in 1972 and devoted her career to serving the State of Michigan in Child Protective Services, advocating for children and families with dedication and resolve. Her work reflected who she was - steadfast, compassionate, and unafraid of hard things. 

Carol is also survived by her nieces and nephews Meagan Madej-Stratten (Eric), Heather (John) Lemanski, Steven (Melinda) Hays, Hillary (Danny) Romano, Eric Hays, Laura (Nicholas) Stocks, Nathan (Samantha) Hays, Esme Stocks, and Heather (Paul) Pudney Alday – to whom she was often and simply known as “AC”. She was also a beloved sister-in-law to Mike (Carolyn) Hays and Jim (Stacey) Stocks, and to many others who became family over the years and are now remembered alongside her.

Together, Carol and Chuck created a place of belonging when they purchased a small cottage in Caseville, Michigan forty years ago. Affectionately known as The Hays Hilton, it became a gathering place for family and friends, where neighbors turned into summer family and memories were made year after year.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held in the spring. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. Jude are appreciated.