Obituary of Nancy Hayden

SLINGERLANDS - Nancy J. Hayden, 77, of Slingerlands died at home on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 surrounded by her family and friends. Born in Buffalo, NY on September 7, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Wilsey and Betty (Pfister) Sherwin. Nancy received her Bachelor's degree from Florida Southern College, her Master's degree from Siena College and received her Doctor of Arts degree from the University at Albany. Nancy taught English for over 30 years at Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central High School and was the English Department Chair for many years. She loved the theater, was an avid bridge player and earned the title of Silver Life Master and enjoyed traveling. For many years, she wintered in North Carolina with her late husband, Thomas J. Hayden, who predeceased her on June 18, 2009. Nancy was also predeceased by a son, Thomas W. Hayden. Survivors include her children, Michael T. Hayden, his wife, Kim M. Hayden and their children, Zoe and Maya of Binghamton; Geoffrey G. Hayden, his wife Christine D. Hayden and their children, Lindsey and Nicole of Knox; and Gretchen H. Cunningham, her husband Gerard Cunningham and their children Faith, Emma and Tommy of Slingerlands; her brother, Peter Sherwin and his wife Cheryl of Emerald Isle, NC and several nieces and nephews. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday from 3 to 6:30 pm at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar with a memorial service to follow at 6:30 pm in the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Berne at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Nancy Hayden English Scholarship, c/o Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central High School, 1738 Helderberg Trail, Berne, NY 12023.