Carmen Jean Compas (Hayes)'s Obituary
Carmen Jean Compas (Hayes), 65, passed away on June 15, 2026, surrounded by her sons, sisters, niece and husband.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 29, 1960, Carmen was the second of three girls. Their mother Doris always called them “my 3 girls.”
She is survived by her two sons, Jason Hayes (Jessica) and Thomas Brannam, her husband Mark Mamer, her sisters Christine Neal (Earl) and Brenda Chapman (Glen), and her four grandchildren, Miles and Doris Brannam, and Olson and Maya Hayes. Many cherished nephews, her niece and cousins.
She is survived by her mother in law, Lucille Mamer, and sisters-in-law, Lanelle Fellner (Tom), Geri Witt, Carrie Caiazzo (Tony), and Tricia Mamer (Joni).
Carmen was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Doris (McVey) Hayes, grandparents Eugene and Alpha (Gamblin) McVey and Otillie (Schmidt) Hayes, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and family members.
Carmen was the light in every room she walked into. She had a way of making people feel welcome, cared for, and truly seen. People were naturally drawn to her warmth, kindness, and stoic strength. She was a trusted confidant to many and carried wisdom far beyond her lifetime. Her love, guidance, and memories are imprinted into every soul she touched.
From humble beginnings, Carmen worked long hours and raised her two sons. Often working more than one job, including driving a horse drawn carriage in downtown St. Louis. She started as a test baker in food labs working her way up the career ladder to top executive sales positions, while continuing her education and earning her Masters Degree. Carmen always got the job done, no matter what challenges she faced.
Carmen loved to travel and embraced every opportunity to explore new places and create lasting memories, traveling internationally to China, Spain, Jamaica, Brussels, Korea, Japan and many more. Carmen loved spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren, she was the glue and the cornerstone for all her friends and loved ones.
Some of Carmen’s hobbies and talents included sewing, crafting with her grandchildren, and perfecting popcorn and baking cookies like her famous pearl’s- n- chocolate and sugar cookies. She touched many lives with her generosity, positive attitude, warm smile, kind heart, and strong work ethic. Carmen was someone who always got the job done, no matter what. From once rebuilding a carburetor on her kitchen table so she could get to work the next morning, to making sure her boys were fed and cared for each day.
She will always be remembered for her kindness, warm smile, generosity, love, and laughter.
A celebration of life is being planned and will be communicated in the coming days. “May Her Spirit Live On” ,and we may each find peace and comfort in the memories that were created with her.
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