ORANGE- Anne Jean Hayden, 96, of Logan Avenue in Orange, died on December 11, 2021 at Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol after a period of declining health, with her family by her side.
Born on April 9, 1925, Anne was the daughter of Stanley and Annie (Tylis) Petronis of Athol. She attended Athol Public Schools and graduated from Athol High School in 1943.
In her teens, she married her first love, Elwyn Sr., and they enjoyed 65 years of marriage until his death on July 5, 2008.
They both owned and operated Hayden Lumber Company in Orange, MA for more than 20 years and later Hayden Realty and Development Co. where they bought and sold property.
Anne was an active woman throughout her life with her family being the center of her universe. She enjoyed homemaking, shopping, riding the back roads of New England and a good game of cards.
Anne and Elwyn also spent many winters in Florida at Daytona Beach shores as well as summer vacations at Laurel Lake in Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire and Wells, Maine.
Anne was well liked by all who knew her and was a gentle, generous and kind soul.
She is survived by her sons, Elwyn Hayden Jr. and his wife, Elaine, and Dennis Hayden and his wife, Dorothy, all of Orange; grandchildren, Lynne White and her husband, Mark, of Orange, Sara Hayden and her wife, Aimee of Holyoke, Laura Hayden of Los Angeles, California and William Hayden and his wife, Allison, of New Salem. Anne is also survived by two great granddaughters, Lauryn and Courtney White of Orange.
She was predeceased by her husband (2008), and three sisters, Irene (1933), Ida (1936) and Julie Kelly (2007).
There are no calling hours.
Funeral services and interment in South Cemetery, Orange, will be private.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM
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