Obituary of Barbara Hayes Hayward
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Hayes Hayward, 96, of Bell’s Cove at South Shore Regional Hospital on March 27, 2024. A loving Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt, and friend to many – she brought a smile to everyone she met.
Born in LaHave on August 31, 1927, to Geneva (Hayes) and Herbert Getson of LaHave. Barbara (Barb) grew up attending the Pentz school on the old road, always calling it “Pentz University.” Barb was a member of the local Brownie girls’ group, and she also became a Brownie Leader. She went to Normal College in Truro for six weeks for teaching, and went on to teach at Kingsburg, East Lahave, LaHave, Dublin Shore, Newcumberland, West LaHave, and was a substitute at Petite school by the 70’s.
In 1944 she met James Hayward, and they married in 1952 in a double wedding ceremony with her friend, Mona, and her husband Huey. Barb and Jim had two children, Susan, and Paul. They took the kids on numerous summer vacations to Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Boston to visit relatives, and spent the rest of the summers hosting family on “the Hummock.”
Barb enjoyed playing cards, cribbage and rummoli, and was a successful bowler. She was a Lifetime Member of the West Side United Church Women and spent many years teaching Sunday School, helping with church activities and fundraisers, as well as aiding people in the community.
She was a beacon in Bell’s Cove, and a wealth of knowledge for the family and local history – which she proudly showed off on morning contests on CKBW. Barb loved to take a walk back memory lane and help us all sort out family connections and share her many memories.
Barb was always up for a chat, and enjoyed her time spent in the sun in Bell’s Cove. She had a sharp mind, and a quick wit and was always down for a drink with any of her many visitors. She did the Lexicon puzzle in the Chronicle Herald every week, discussing answers with her good friends Ramona, Yvonne, and Marlene; and was still sharp with her answers the Saturday before she passed.
Barb enjoyed her family most of all, spending her retired years watching her grandchildren after school and celebrating every holiday with a family meal and a good pie. Her great-grandchildren came later in life and although many live far away she was always in touch and saw them frequently, enjoying all of their visits.
Barb is survived by her daughter, Susan (Gary); son, Paul; Grandchildren: Chris (Maria), Ryan, Kyle (Chelsea), Andrea (Tyler) and Geneva (Andrew); Great Grandchildren: Camden, Olivia, Jacob and Parker; as well as many dear cousins, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, husband, and brother, Carvel (Ivy) Getson.
We would like to thank the wonderful staff of the South Shore Regional Hospital med-surg and overflow unit for taking such great care of Barb during her stay, as well as the VON for her incredible care at home.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater. A Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, May 4, 2024, in West Side United Church, Pentz, Rev. Neil McEwen officiating.. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VON, West Side United Church, the South Shore Regional Hospital, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences and donations may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com
