Eleanor Dickson Hayward

Eleanor Dickson Hayward, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in Mystic, CT at the age of 97 years. She was born in Providence, RI on June 3, 1928, to Matthew R. Dickson and Janet M. Halbert Dickson, both of Glasgow, Scotland. Eleanor married Arthur H. Hayward Sr. of Wakefield, RI, at Peace Dale Congregational Church in 1948. Together, Arthur and Eleanor built a loving home in Snug Harbor, South Kingstown, RI, where they raised their four children. Eleanor dedicated many years of service to Kenyon's Department Store in Wakefield, RI, where she was a valued employee. After retiring from Kenyon’s, she worked for many happy years at Casual Kids, owned by her niece, Lynn Straight, in Westerly. RI. She was a faithful choir member of the Peace Dale Congregational Church. Eleanor's life was a testament to the values of family, hard work, and community service. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Eleanor is survived by three children: Arthur H. Hayward Jr. (Judith) of Pawcatuck, CT; Richard R. Hayward of Bellingham, MA; and David W. Hayward of Richmond, RI. Eleanor was predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years, daughter, Nancy Poniatowski, and sister Mary Waddington of Niagara Falls, NY. She is also survived by sister, Janet Llewellyn of Nashville, TN. Eleanor's legacy lives on through her 11 grandchildren, Lisa Hayward, Eric Hayward, Emily Coronado, Erin Kalidindi, Richard Hayward, Andrew Hayward, Jamerson Hayward, Shannon Hayward, Ciarra Hayward, Stephen Poniatowski, Kate Sullivan, and 15 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Mystic Healthcare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the kindness, compassion, and loving care of Eleanor. We would like to acknowledge the special kindness shown to Eleanor by the late Becky Fraser who was a Social Worker at Mystic Healthcare. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter, RI. Attendees are asked to arrive outside the Administration Building by 11:15 am.

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Eleanor Dickson Hayward

October 18, 2025