Virginia Hayden

Virginia M Hayden

1929 – 2021

MADISON, Maine – Virginia Miller Hayden, born August 17th, 1929, died peacefully under the loving care of her nursing home staff on her 92nd birthday. Ginny, as she was known by many, was raised “down home” on the Dorothy (Dunlap) and Ralph Miller farm on the Wilder Hill Road in Norridgewock. Raised through the depression with her seven siblings, Virginia graduated with Honors from Skowhegan High School in 1947. In 1948, at her sister Pauline and Guy’s apartment, she met her future husband, Parker Joseph Hayden. Later that same year, Parker and Virginia married and spent several adventurous years together sharing their love of winter and palling with their friends and family before settling to start a family. Their daughter Kimberly Ann was born in June of 1953, their son Kevin Parker in July of 1955, their son Kent Joseph in June of 1957. On January 24, 1957, while responding to a house fire on the Blackwell Hill Road, Volunteer Firefighter Parker was killed instantly when a chimney toppled to the ground. Virginia raised her three children on Pine Street and later in her beloved Victorian styled home on Madison Avenue, while working the soda fountain counter at Porter’s Pharmacy followed by New Balance Shoe Company until retirement

An elegant woman, Virginia was known for her distinguished self-designed and self-sewn wardrobe of tasteful wool skirts, broached blazers, and leather boots. Virginia was charismatic and intelligent. She traveled extensively throughout New England, maritime Canada, and Great Britain. She was a practiced baker, and gifted cook. She kept her mind sharp with the daily newspaper, crossword puzzle and Jeopardy. Her truest talents with textiles, upholstery, fashion, and interior design fueled her renowned passion for decorating her classy home, especially for Christmas, her favorite season. Her house filled with handsome brocade draperies and snow-covered sleighs brimming with walking dolls adorned in satin and wool with ice skates in hand and flickering lanterns to light their way was a marvel to behold every Christmas.

Virginia was witty and laughed easily at herself. She was warm and loving towards her family and cherished their company above all others. She gave her children everything she could and was immensely proud of their accomplishments in life. One of her greatest joys was sharing her love and talents with her grandchildren Paul and Anne. Great granddaughter Avaline and ‘Grammie’ shared many wonderful summer birthday celebrations together.

Virginia was predeceased by siblings and in-laws: brothers Richard (Christine), Donald (Hazel), Phillip (Earline), and Lawrence (Mary) Miller; Sisters Pauline (Edgar `Guy’) White and Joann (Waldo `Wally’) Tibbetts; Francis Kahawaiolaa, Lorne, and Walter Hayden.

Memories of Virginia and family traditions will be continued by her sister Lucille Kahawaiolaa, sister-in-law Geraldine `Jerry’ Hayden; children Kimberly Hallee (David), Kevin Hayden (Karen), Kent Hayden (Celeste); grandchildren Paul Hallee (Kim), and Anne Hallee and great granddaughter Avaline Fairhayden, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to share their deepest gratitude to all the devoted healthcare workers involved in Virginia’s provision of medical care through the years. They are forever indebted to ALL the kind staff at North County Somerset Rehabilitation & Living Center in Bingham for their unwavering care and love given during Virginia’s last three plus years.

Giberson Funeral Home has assisted the family with arrangements. Due to the current pandemic, the immediate family will have a private inurnment, with hopes for a larger family gathering next summer.

Please share in the sincere thanks and appreciation of care for Virginia with donations to NC Somerset Rehabilitation & Living Center- Activities Department and Staff Appreciation 43 Owens Street Bingham, ME 04920 and/or Maine General Hospice 10 Water Street Waterville, ME 04901. Thank you

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