Hilary Joan Hayden

It is with sadness that we mourn the death of Hillary Joan Hayden (nee Thomas) who died peacefully on the morning of January 16 , 2024 at the age of 86. She was a devoted mother to Susan (Stephen Workman) and David (Andrea Dorfman) of Halifax, Nova Scotia. She took tremendous pride in her seven grandchildren - Mathew, Sarah, Sydney, Riley, Max, Emmett and Adele. She is survived by her two siblings, Judy (Vancouver ,BC) and Roger (Carp Ont) . Hilary remained devoted to her loving husband, Peter, whom she married in 1960. She missed him dearly every day since his death in May 2000. Sadly Peter died shortly after they moved to their retirement home on the shore of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. Hilary was a member of the congregation of St Barnabas Church in Blue Rocks NS where she joyfully sang in the choir for many years. Hilary was born in Montreal on March 26, 1937 to British immigrants (Dudley and Jessie). She believed her traditional british up bringing was softened by the kind and loving care of her live in Nanny, Beatrice Summers. Following her graduation from McGill University in 1960, Hilary worked as an associate professor in the McGill chemistry department, and recounted with pride the fact that she was one of the few women in academia at the time. She was also an instrumental part of the team at McGill who developed computer card-reading technology that revolutionized multiple choice exams. After her marriage to Peter, she devoted her time to their busy medical practice and raising her family. She loved to be in the stands or track side for Susan and David's numerous school and sporting activities. Following Peter’s death she took up playing contract bridge. Hilary approached the game with an academic enthusiasm akin to studying for a masters thesis. She quickly accrued grandmaster points playing four or more times a week in Nova Scotia and Fort Myers Florida where she 'snowbirded' . In Florida she developed a great community of friends. Hilary’s other passions included travelling,( in later years with Craig Travel to Iceland, Antarctica, Kenya, Ireland, Scotland and Germany), knitting, wildlife photography, cross stitching large canvases( that adorn her walls) and many birthday T-shirts for her grand-children. Garage sale hunting had a special place in her heart where she found both the most perfect and (sometimes) the most hilariously ridiculous gifts for her grandchildren at Christmas. If there was a musical event, concert , graduation or sporting activity to attend, she would be seen smiling and cheering in the crowd. Funeral will take place Saturday June 1 at 11 am St Barnabus Church, Blue Rocks NS, reception to follow service. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Alzheimer's society of Nova Scotia , Parkinson's Canada or Saint Barnabas church in Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia. The family wishes to send a special thank you to Tas Holland, and the staff at Arborstone Enhanced Care. Their loving kind exceptional care over the past year and final days will always be remembered.

Hilary Joan Hayden

January 16, 2024