Caitlin Hayes Gross, 92, of Sebastian, Florida, formerly of Leonardo, New Jersey, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 11, 2021.

Cherished daughter of the late Honoria (Annie) and John (Sean/Jack) Hayes of Ireland. Loving sister of the late John Hayes of Leonardo, NJ and Garrett Hayes of Palm Coast, FL and is survived by her sister, Maureen Hayes and sister-in-law, Bhabes Dizon Hayes both of Palm Coast, FL.

Wife of the late Stephen Gross of Highlands, NJ. Wonderful mother and mother-in-law to four children and their spouses: Chris and Paula Gross of Lady Lake, FL, Cindy and Michael Fitzpatrick of Sebastian, FL, Stacy and Rick Dimino of Brookline, MA, and Eric Gross and Laurel Lamont of Carbondale, CO.

Beloved grandmother (Nan) to Shannon, Caitlin, Kelsey, Sean, Lamont, Foster, and Molly. Caitlin Hayes graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School and spent her early career in the banking industry. Later in her career she worked for the city of Long Branch in senior services.

Caitlin was especially proud of the support she gave to elderly residents who lived alone and of her very popular gardening club! She had a green thumb and was an avid follower of the financial market. Caitlin loved nature and animals – especially her dog, Rascal.

Caitlin enjoyed her years in Middletown and Deal, NJ, as well as her summers in Marion, MA. She was very fond of her ancestral homeland and stayed connected to the Hayes family in Ireland.

Caitlin was loved dearly by all and will be forever missed. She has gone abhaile, homeward. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Caitlin’s memory to: Glór na Móna, Gael-Ionad Mhic Goill, 4 Whiterock Close, Béal Feirste/Belfast, BT12 7RG. (Glór na Móna is an Irish language organization that promotes Irish through cultural events and develops services for the Irish language community.)

To share a memory of Caitlin or send a note of condolence to her family visit Eaton Funeral Homes.

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