Kathleen N. Hayden

Kathleen N. “Kathy” Hayden, 82, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 3, 2025, in her home in Peabody.

Born June 24, 1943 in California to George and Betty Phillips, Kathy was raised and educated in Montana.

She was a woman of quick wit, sharp humor, and an endless curiosity about the world. Formerly of Danvers, and later Las Vegas and Reno, NV, she was a firecracker of a personality who loved to make people laugh. One of her favorite quips was that the official state bird of Massachusetts was “the middle finger.”

Kathy was an avid learner and reader, endlessly fascinated by history and humanity. She was a master of crossword puzzles and found joy in tackling each new challenge. Music was a constant presence in her life—she loved playing the piano, singing, and listening to the radio. She especially enjoyed gathering with friends and family at the Spear Post in Beverly for karaoke, where her voice and laughter filled the room.

Above all, Kathy was devoted to her family. She was a proud mother of five and an even prouder grandmother, cherishing every moment spent with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, John R. “Jack” Hayden; four of her children, Bernadette Hayden-Smith and her husband Donald of Peabody, Charles Hayden and his wife Lori of Sudbury, Kevin Hayden and his wife Kathy of Newton, NH, and Robert Hayden of Rockford, IL; her treasured grandchildren Madeline, Felicia, Scott, and Michael Hayden and Michael Gigliotti and his wife Geysel; her sisters, Karen Sarneker and Nellie Johanson; and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her son, Scott Hayden and her brother, George Phillips.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to visiting hours on Friday, October 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm Street, Danvers. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 18, at 10 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Annunciation Cemetery, Danvers.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kathy’s name to the Student Emergency Fund at Salem State University, 331 Lafayette St, Salem, MA 01970.  To share an expression of sympathy with the Hayden family, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.