Isabelle Claire Hayes

Isabelle Rawich Hayes of Woodbourne, NY passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025.

Born in the Bronx, NY on November 11, 1938 to Molly and Norman Rawich, Isabelle attended Evander Childes High School and Hunter College. She and her extended family spent summers in the Catskills, and she moved to Sullivan County permanently in 1960 when she was married.

Isabelle learned the law by working as a law clerk. Despite never attending law school, her remarkable intellect, drive, and dedication to learning and the law enabled her to pass the NYS Bar Exam in the 1970s. Soon after, she opened her own law practice on Main Street in South Fallsburg.
As one of the few female attorneys in the area at the time, Isabelle faced the challenge of building her practice from the ground up, often relying upon work assigned through the local court system. It was there that she discovered her passion: serving as a guardian ad litem for children in the Sullivan County Family Court. Her unwavering dedication to the representation of children earned her a respected reputation throughout the community. In recognition of her commitment, she was honored with the John T. Hamilton, Jr., Esq. Award for Excellence in the Legal Representation of Children, an award given annually to one attorney within New York State’s Third Judicial District.

Isabelle was an active member of the Women’s Sullivan County Bar Association, where she served as president. She served on the New York State Bar Association Committee on Professional Discipline for some time as well. Isabelle was appointed by the Family Court as Sullivan County’s Liaison Representative for the Third Judicial District Office of Attorneys for Children. She retired in 2016, celebrated by her colleagues and peers with a grand send-off that honored her many years of tireless advocacy for children in Sullivan County.

Isabelle is survived by her beloved husband of 44 years, Brian Hayes, and three children from her first marriage: Laurel Sussman Adler (David Stoll), Paul Sussman (Anna), and Matthew Sussman. She was a proud grandmother to Andrew Adler, Molly Adler, and Sylvie Sussman. She also leaves behind her sister, Edith Pullman (Jeff), nieces Nancy Proyect Rider (Justin), Dana Sadaka (Nicholas), and Hannah Pullman (James Post), brothers-in-law Jack and Daniel Hayes, and sister-in-law Ada Hayes Cole, along with cousins, co-workers, and friends. Isabelle was predeceased by her parents, Norman and Molly Sessler Rawich.

Isabelle completed the New York Times crossword puzzle daily, always in pen. She was an avid reader, a wonderful storyteller, and an accomplished cook. She encouraged all those around her to read widely and think critically. She held those she loved to high standards, demanding they uphold their beliefs, act with integrity, and behave ethically and morally. Isabelle expressed her philosophical and political views with clarity and passion, often while preparing one of her delicious Thanksgiving meals.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date.

Donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice or the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Isabelle Rawich Hayes.