Susan Bassett Hayes

Susan Bassett Hayes of West Barnstable, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on the beautiful sun-filled morning of March 22, 2025 at the age of 79. A lifelong Cape Cod resident, Susan’s warmth and gentle spirit touched the lives of so many throughout the community she loved.

Born on October 30, 1945, in Hyannis, Massachusetts, Susan was the daughter of the late Sherrold E. Bassett and Charlotte L. Bassett (Brackett). She grew up in West Barnstable and attended Elementary School (K-6) with only 6 other children in her class at the Community Town Building. Susan attended Barnstable Middle School and thereafter was proud to be among the first class that graduated from the new Barnstable High School in 1963. She went on to earn her Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies from Fisher Junior College in Boston in 1965.

Susan’s professional life reflected her love of people and her dedication to service and hospitality. Upon graduation from college, she worked as a Legal Assistant at the Hale and Dorr Law Firm in Boston for many years. After traveling throughout the United States as a military wife, she returned to the Cape to raise her family. Susan began working at the Original Gourmet Brunch in 1978 and spent 41 years spreading kindness and joy to all who entered the doors. She developed and cherished long-lasting friendships with coworkers and customers alike, and was often lovingly referred to as a “fixture” and “legend” at the Gourmet Brunch. A true Cape Codder at heart, Susan loved sharing stories about her family's history with anyone who would listen. Her knowledge of Old Cape Cod was vast and her story telling engaging, whether about colonial times or historical family memories rooted in the sea and sand of the Cape.

From a young age, Susan had a deep connection with animals and nature. Growing up on 6A, across from a farm in West Barnstable sparked her lifelong love of horses. She started riding at the age of 7 and just a year later, she was giving pony rides to the neighborhood children for just 10 cents. Through the years, she cared for many horses, dogs and cats, creating a home filled with love and affection. Bunnies, deer, owls and turkeys were also near and dear to her heart. Susan loved spending time outside in her yard and was often seen riding her lawn tractor, picking berries and nurturing her garden. She found joy among the flowers and plants, and was always the first to observe the arrival of the February snow drops and March crocuses. She loved everything about nature including the weather. Susan could very accurately predict a storm system moving into the area.

Susan delighted in cooking and baking for her family, and her kitchen was often filled with delicious aromas that reflected her passion for food. She enjoyed tending to her many herbs in the greenhouse and most recently an avocado tree. Susan was famous for her rhubarb and blueberry pies and black raspberry jam. She always enjoyed creating meals that brought people together with birthdays and holidays being extra special. As a long-standing member of the BYC, Grill Nights were also a family favorite, an evening event she never missed.

Spirituality played an important role in Susan's life. Raised as a Christian attending the Unitarian Church of Barnstable, she remained connected in her faith even during periods when work limited her ability to attend services regularly. Upon retirement, she returned to Church every Sunday with renewed devotion.

Susan was happiest being with family and friends. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Melanie Deveikas and son-in-law Charles Deveikas Jr.; her grandchildren Jacob Deveikas and Charlotte Deveikas, as well as her son Christian Hayes; and granddaughters Alicia Hayes and Jessica Hayes. She leaves several extended family members and very close friends and will be dearly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Unitarian Church of Barnstable, 3330 Main Street (Route 6A), Barnstable Village. A Visitation Hour will begin at 11:00 AM followed by a Church Service at 12:00 PM. A Reception in the Warren Gathering Hall will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, Susan's family requests that donations be made to the non-profit organization, Barnstable Neighbor to Neighbor. We are grateful for the BN2N volunteers who gave generously of their time to support Susan in her home and community. We are also so very thankful for the many professionals at Maplewood at Mayflower Place Skilled Nursing Facility in West Yarmouth for their expertise and compassion in caring for and supporting Susan on her journey.

May Susan’s memory bring comfort to all who knew her, and may her legacy live on through the stories shared around tables filled with good food and laughter under Grandpa Maple and the Cape Cod skies she so dearly loved.