Pauline Hayden Obituary

Longtime Durango resident Pauline Margaret Hayden died here Friday, March 27, 2009. She was 96.

Mrs. Hayden was born to William and Therese Wilcox at their home outside of Wyoming, Iowa, on Jan. 25, 1913, the youngest of eight children.

She began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse, Pence Ridge County School, outside Monmouth, Iowa, where a niece and nephew were among her students.

In 1939, she taught in Longmont.

Mrs. Hayden enlisted in the Army in 1942 as a physical therapist for the 91st General Hospital Division. In 1944, she went to England with the division.

In 1953, she married Howard C. Hayden in Pueblo.

The Haydens moved to Durango in 1957 and Mrs. Hayden taught fifth grade in Ignacio. During her long career here, she taught English at Durango High School and physical education at Smiley Junior High and Miller Junior High schools before retiring in 1975.

She enjoyed the outdoors, bicycling,  skiing, hiking, and gardening until she was in her 80s.

Mrs. Hayden was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, Howard C. Hayden.

She is survived by her daughter, Chris Hassel, of Durango; one grandson; and two great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to gather for a potluck and memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, at 3398 County Road 203.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1800 East Third Ave., Suite 101, Durango, CO 81301.