OBITUARY: Joan W. (White) Hayden, 88

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Joan W. Hayden (White), a beloved wife, matriarch and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, surrounded by her six children.

Born on January 28, 1937, in Medford, Joan was the second of three children of the late Leonard and Winifred (Hurley) White. A 1956 graduate of Medford High School, her life took a beautiful turn when she began working at First National Stores Inc. It was there she met Richard “Dick” Hayden, the love of her life. Their shared fondness for music, dancing, and good company sparked an immediate connection.

Married on June 30, 1962, Joan and Dick established their family home in Wilmington in 1966, where they poured their hearts into raising their six children. During Dick’s early career and studies, Joan was the steadfast anchor of their growing family. She instilled in her children the fundamental values of family unity and respect, ensuring that every commitment, from homework to sport practice or dance, was met. Her home on Arlene Avenue was always open, a welcoming haven for her children’s friends, as well as her nieces and nephews, her home was filled with laughter, pool parties, and her generous snacks.

A true friend with a loyal heart, Joan shared an especially close and entertaining relationship with her sister Lois. Their time working at Sears was a source of amusement for many, as “the sisters” effortlessly combined their work with animated conversations and personal shopping adventures. Joan had a genuine curiosity about the lives of her friends and their families, always eager to share in their joys and offer support. She embraced life’s simple pleasures but also delighted in adventures with Dick and their friends, from exciting travels and captivating musicals to her enthusiastic embrace of golf later in life. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a good party – no matter the occasion. She never arrived empty handed sharing her famous pepperoni squares or congo bars. In quieter moments, she enjoyed Hallmark movies, a good book, and the occasional thrill of the slot machines.

For many years, Joan dedicated her time and energy to the Wilmington Boosters Association as Vice President. She enjoyed working the snack shack for football games and the 4th of July Boosters tent for many years to raise funds for WHS Boosters Scholarships. She passed that sense of volunteerism on to her kids as well. In later years, Joan was active in the St. Thomas Woman’s Club, attending various events and appreciating the time spent with the other members.

Her greatest joy came with the arrival of her eighteen grandchildren. Joan and Dick became enthusiastic supporters, rarely missing a sporting event, dance recital, school performance or first day of school milestone. Hosting lively family gatherings by the pool, complete with an abundance of snacks and ice cream, was one of her favorite pastimes. Never one to seek attention, Joan was happiest simply being surrounded by her family, her face beaming as she listened to their stories and shared in their laughter. Her enduring legacy will be the strong, supportive family she nurtured and the cherished traditions that will continue to celebrate their lives together.

Joan will be profoundly missed as a wonderful woman, the heart and soul of her family, and a cherished friend whose memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Joan was the beloved wife of the late Richard “Dick” Hayden, devoted mother of Michele and Byron Kincaid (Wilmington), Laurie & Dennis Robarge (Wilmington), Andrea & Eric Braciska (N. Andover), Richard & Maureen Hayden (Wilmington), Jennifer & Eric Cushing (Wilmington) and Jacqui & Tim Allard (Wilmington). She was the Loving “Nana” of Jonathan Kincaid & wife Marion, Matthew Kincaid & wife Kristin, Zachary Kincaid, Nicholas Robarge & wife Meaghan, Hayley Elmy & husband Kyle, Caroline Robarge, Christian Robarge, Allyson, Meghan & Kyle Braciska, Emily, Melanie & Ryan Hayden, Shea, Owen & Luke Cushing, Colin & Emma Allard and her Great-Grandchildren Ben, Jonathan, Jake and Jackson Kincaid, Cameron Robarge and Leah Elmy. She was the dear sister of the late Lois & Richard Jackson and Leonard & Maureen White (Burlington) and sister-in-law of James Hayden & wife Carol (Stoneham) and the late Edie Previdi & husband Bill (Gloucester), daughter-in-law of the late Mary Hayden. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Wednesday, May 7th from 4:00-8:00 p.m.  A Funeral Mass to celebrate Joan’s life will be held at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, on Thursday, May 8th at 10:30 a.m. followed by her interment in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. (please go directly to the church)

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to The Parish of the Transfiguration Women’s Club, and mail to St. Dorothy’s Church, c/o The Women’s Club/Kathy Catanzano, 11 Harnden St., Wilmington, MA  01887 or to the Wilmington Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 368, Wilmington, MA  01887.