Mary Theresa Bays

Mary Theresa Bays, age 74, passed away on Tuesday, December 6^th, 2022.  She was born to Irene and Merle Andrighetti on September 22^nd, 1948.  She married Larry Bays in 1973 and they had two children, Max and Julie.  She was a devoted mother and wife.

Theresa was a member of the first graduating class of St. Francis de Sales School.  After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1966, she studied at St. Joseph Nursing School in Parkersburg, WV, and became a registered nurse.  She spent her career at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital (BARH) and retired in 2013.  One of her greatest joys was helping and caring for her family, friends, and patients.

Some of her fondest childhood memories were attending Camp Lightfoot in the summer, taking classes at Beard School of Dance, and being a Girl Scout.  Theresa continued her participation with the Girl Scouts as an adult by volunteering as a troop leader and actively promoting the organization.   

Theresa was a good friend to many, always making time to listen to her friends’ problems and successes.

During her retirement years, she enjoyed watching the backyard wildlife.  She left birdseed on the windowsill for the birds, providing entertainment for her cat to enjoy from her interior window-side basket.

Theresa is preceded in death by husband Larry Bays, parents Irene and Merle Andrighetti, brother Bob Andrighetti, brothers-in-law Scott Simkins and Neil Bays, and sister-in-law Kenna Bays Holt.

She is survived by her children Max Bays and Julie Bays, brother John Andrighetti and his wife Crystal, sister Martha Andrighetti Simkins, brother-in-law Jerry Bays and his wife Ann, sister-in-law Sandy Bays, special cousin Libby Wallen, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Also left to cherish her memory is her beloved cat, Daisy.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, December 14^th, at 11:00 am at St. Francis de Sales Church with Reverend Leonard Smith officiating.  Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.  The visitation is Tuesday, December 13^th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Calfee Funeral Home in Beckley.  A rosary will follow at 8:00 pm.  Knights of Columbus will serve as Pallbearers.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis de Sales Church or School.

Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home.