Jean O. Hayden

After living a glorious 96 years, Jean Hayden passed away on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Bethany Riverside in La Crosse. She was born on June 19, 1922 in Oak Park, IL where she grew up loving the outdoors. She attended Northwestern University as a voice major where she met the love of her life, Kenneth Hayden, whom she married on October 10, 1947. She embarked on a promising career in opera, but chose to leave the spotlight for her dream of a family. She and Ken built a house in Winnetka, IL, where they raised two daughters, Holly and Melissa, in a home full of love and music. Jean was the soloist at First Church of Christ Scientist in Evanston, IL for many years, and also taught voice. Once the girls were in Junior High, Jean decided to pursue her passion for education, graduating from The National College of Education in Evanston with a Teaching Certificate. She taught at Avoca Elementary School for 32 years before retiring and moving to sunny Santa Barbara, CA to explore her next passion, Art. While in Santa Barbara, she volunteered as a docent for the Botanical Gardens, and was involved in projects supporting various historical buildings and museums.

In 2008 Jean moved back to the Midwest to be closer to family and to continue her dedication to the Arts, whether it be water colors, charcoal, or music. She also continued giving her time to others as a volunteer. Jean served as a source of inspiration to countless people everywhere she went, and she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her two daughters, Holly (Tom) Marks, and Melissa (Tom) Garson, grandchildren, Heather (Patrick) Thommen, Evan Marks, Kenneth (Shaunta) Marks, Kelsey and Tyler (Grace) Marks, also Kenny and Ryan Garson and many great-grandchildren.

Thank you to Gundersen and Bethany Riverside for making her last days as comfortable as possible. Thank you to her many art friends, especially Pam and Jean for their never-ending kindness to our Mom.