Jean Hayden

Jean Hayden passed away peacefully on August 28,2025 at the age of 94 at St Paul's Hospital. Jean was a long-time resident of Saskatoon for over 70 years. Jean is survived by sons Gregory (Michelle) of Calgary A.B., Brett (Barbara) of Squamish B.C. and Richard (Chelsea) of Asquith, Sask., and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jean was predeceased by her parents, husband Tony of 68 years and two children were predeceased, Garnet Hayden and Dalyce Holm.

Jean was born in Medicine Hat Alberta in 1930 and cost $60.50 at the time and had a long, full and varied life starting on the family farm. Jean was educated in a one-room prairie school that was one and half miles from home with transport provided by a horse, old Doosenberry. Education was to become a dominant element in Jean's life. Jean later went on to high school in Bow Island Alberta at the start of the war years and became academic and a National 4H winner for Alberta. Jean attended the University of Alberta for teacher training and taught in many small communities in Southern Alberta beginning in 1949. In one small community Jean met the love of her life Tony who was a railroader and were married in 1952. They soon moved to Saskatoon to raise a family, and Jean could teach part time and continue her own education at the University of Saskatchewan, including the speciality of library sciences where she became a different pioneer.

Jean later became the Librarian at Bedford Road Collegiate Institute (BRCI) where she remained for twenty years and after a further five years at Nutana Collegiate, retired from education in 1988. During her time, BRCI was the first in the system to have the library connected to the internet and establish library resources for First Nations students. During her time at BRCI she also worked with other staff members to advance the marital rights of women on the farm which led to significant changes in property law and obtaining equality for women across the country.

After retirement, Jean and Tony took up breeding, training and racing thoroughbred horses within Saskatchewan and other prairie provinces. She became a fixture at Marquis Downs and racing horses fully occupied her time for over three decades. Jean was the brains of the outfit, and she blended in with any crowd on and off the track and attracted many friends and acquaintances. For a time, Jean represented the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society.

Other interests included berry farming, researching medicinal drugs, quilting and hooking rugs and created many beautiful designs that adorn the homes of family and friends.

In Jean's own words when reflecting on her time, she said "the ride has been exciting, wild and stimulating".

A Celebration of Jean's Life will be held at the Edwards Family Centre (333 4th Avenue North) on Saturday, October 4th, 2025 from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. with a program at 3:00 p.m.