Obituary of Beverly Jane Hayden

Beverly Jane Hayden 84, Valley View Villa, Riverton, formerly of Woodburn, passed away peacefully, Friday, February 13, 2026, in the Villa.

Born in New Glasgow, she was a daughter of the late Elmer and Mary Campbell (Otter) MacDonald. Beverly was a graduate of the former Trenton High School and the Halifax Infirmary School for Medical Record Librarians. During her career, she was employed with the Aberdeen Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital and Halifax Infirmary.  Beverly was a member of the Little Harbour Presbyterian Church and Ladies Aid, and the Gyrettes.  In younger years, she was a member of Clara’s Girls, a group of quilters who met weekly. Beverly often remarked how fortunate she was to have been a student of Clara’s, who was a well-known expert quilter. She will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends.

Surviving are her husband of 61 years, James Donald “Jim” Hayden, Woodburn; daughters, Suzanne Olley, Brampton, Ont.; Janice (Andrew) Hillaby, Trenton; grandchildren, Evan Olley, Erin Olley, Kaley Hillaby and Kirk Hillaby; brother, Gary MacDonald, Sackville, N.B.; sisters-in-law, Valerie MacDonald, Chance Harbour; Diane MacDonald, Newmarket, Ont.; brother-in-law, Frank (Isabelle) Bowen, Little Harbour; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents, Elmer and Mary Campbell (Otter) MacDonald; son-in-law, Bill Olley; brothers, Glenn MacDonald and Bill MacDonald; father and mother-in-law, James Wiliam and Pearl Hayden; sisters-in-law, Lillian Stroud, Etta Hayden, Bessy O'Neill and Irene Bowen; brothers-in-law, Ross, Fulton and Lloyd Hayden, and Red O'Neill; uncle and aunt, Harold and Verna Ottar. 

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 18 in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home Chapel, New Glasgow with Rev. Dr. Joon Ki Kim officiating. Spring burial will be in Church Brook Cemetery, Little Harbour.

Donations may be made in Beverly’s memory to Church Brook Cemetery, Little Harbour.

Bev’s family wish to recognize and thank her conscientious caregivers at Valley View Villa, for the wonderful care and support they provided.

For funeral service livestream, please click HERE