Enjoyed puzzles, the beach, theater, and dancing
Elizabeth Hayden. (Courtesy photo)
Elizabeth Hayden died April 30, 2024. She was 68 years old.
Disabled since her birth on June 16, 1955—in an era with a frustrating lack of opportunity for such children—Elizabeth spent the majority of her life at home in Melrose and Plymouth, cherished by her parents and surrounded by the activities of her four beloved siblings and, later on, their families.
She enjoyed 100-piece puzzles, decks of cards, Lawrence Welk, the beach, the theater, coloring books and crayons, and dancing to every kind of music. Curious and social, she engaged those around her with a signature list of questions (“Are you married?”) and by stirring up drama where it didn’t actually exist (“Tina’s mad at Al … ”). After moving to Harvard in 2005, she participated in her first day programs and graciously accepted care from a new generation of family members.
Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents, George Anderson Hayden Jr. and Catina (Bartoli) Hayden, and her niece, Leslie Hayden. She is survived by her devoted sister, Catina Hayden Barbieri, and her brother-in-law, Albert A. Barbieri Jr., with whom she resided for over 18 years; her dear brother, George Hayden (Lois) of Texas, and beloved sisters, Joan Swan of Boston and Helen Topor (James) of Tewksbury; her niece, Gina O’Neil (Daniel) of Harvard and nephews, Albert Barbieri IV (Vanessa) of Utah, George Barbieri (Caitlyn) of Germany, and Joseph Topor of Tewksbury. Elizabeth is also survived by a number of great-nieces and great-nephews in Harvard, Texas, and Germany.
A funeral Mass for Elizabeth was celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 6, at Incarnation Catholic Church in Melrose. Interment will be private.
To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.badgerfuneral.com.
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