Our beloved Nan, Judy May (Black) Hayden passed away peacefully on April 5, 2021. She had valiantly fought a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. This beautiful soul touched the lives of so many in her 78 years. And although our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing she’s at peace now.
Judy was born in Winnemucca, Nevada on November 28th, 1942 to Raymond Charles and Lillian May Black. They later moved to Mountain Home, Idaho, where they lived briefly, and ultimately settled in Rackerby, California in 1945. She attended a small one room schoolhouse in Rackerby called “Hansonville School”. She played the piano and was the only graduating student in the eighth grade. She attended Oroville High School from 1956 to 1960.
In 1959, in Rackerby, she met the love of her life, Edward Hayden. It was love at first sight, and the beginning of a glorious 62 year love affair that never dimmed. She and Ed lived in Rio Linda and North Highlands before relocating to Nevada County in 1971, which became their forever home, and where they raised their five children.
Judy enrolled at Sierra College in 1975 and obtained her LVN degree. This began a 32 year career in nursing, working at Grass Valley Orthopedic and later at UC Davis Internal Medicine in Auburn, where she later retired. Judy was passionate about nursing and loved her patients dearly. Her kind and compassionate nature touched the lives of many who were in need of care.
Judy was a member of St. Canice church in Nevada City for many years. She was an early fitness pioneer and passionate about exercise. She and Ed were often seen on their bicycles or at a local gym working out. She was a wonderful artist and loved to paint. She loved gardening and crafts, the ocean, and being at the beach with Ed by her side. But most of all, she loved her family. Her children fondly refer to her as the “original badass Mom”, working full time as a nurse, tending to a farm and garden, and raising a houseful of rambunctious kids with kindness and love, as only she could do.
Judy leaves
behind her husband of 61 years, Ed Hayden, daughter Pamela (Duncan), sons Chris, Scott, and Pat Hayden, and Mark (Lundell). 12 grandchildren, Alex Marcucci, Colton and Mikhaila Duncan, Corey Hayden, Haley (Meyer), Amanda (Richards), Angela (Martin), Nathan Hayden, Todd Hayden, Nikki (Newell), and McKenna and Keisen Hayden, as well as 13 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Lillian Black, and her brothers Gary and Michael Black.
Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the loving staff at Crystal Ridge Care Center in Grass Valley for their kind and compassionate care of our dear Nan.
Per her wishes, no services will be held. But as she would have wanted, a picnic in the park with her family and dear friends will be held this summer to honor and celebrate her life.
While her family and friends will miss Judy terribly, she leaves us all with her legacy. Her strength, determination and life lessons will live on. Fly high beautiful Nan, until we meet again. We love you.
