Brenda Hayden, 80, Owatonna
Brenda Sue Hayden, 80, of Owatonna, passed away peacefully at New Richland Care Center in New Richland, on the evening of Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. After a recent diagnosis of brain cancer, she entered hospice care and was lovingly cared for until her passing.
Friends may greet the family Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Austin First United Methodist Church, 204 1st Ave. NW, Austin. Funeral service will be held at 12 noon, followed by a luncheon at the church. The service will be Livestreamed via the Austin First United Methodist Church Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/austinfirstumc and all are invited to watch online if not able to attend in person.
Brenda was born on Oct. 8, 1944, in Evansville, Ind., to John W. McKay, Sr. and Pauline Carney. She grew up with her twin sister, Linda, and siblings, Johnny and Zelda. From an early age, Brenda’s determined and joyful spirit shone through.
After attending high school in Carmi IL, she earned her barber’s license and began her career as a men’s barber. Over the years, Brenda pursued many vocations and passion projects including florist, clown, balloon artist, property owner and landlord, and work in human services with seniors.
Her final and most cherished role was serving as director of the Mt. Morris Senior Center in Mt. Morris, Ill., where she poured her energy into creating community and care for others.
On April 24, 1971, Brenda married the love of her life, Jack Hayden. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. Brenda and Jack started their family on the family farm in Illinois before moving to Iowa where they spent most of their life and raised their family.
In retirement, Jack and Brenda embraced adventure, traveling in their RV, wintering in Port Aransas, Texas, and summering in Minnesota. In her final years, she lived in Owatonna. Brenda treasured being close to her son Jason (Jessica) Hayden, her beloved granddaughters Alyssa (Dillon Dale), Alexis (Chase Vandenberg), and Adelyn, and her great-granddaughter Jacelyn Dale.
Brenda’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. A lifelong Methodist, she was a steadfast servant of Christ, known for her big heart and her “can do” spirit. She joyfully volunteered wherever she could. She faithfully helped with Vacation Bible School alongside her granddaughter Alyssa and husband Jack, served at food pantries, supported Habitat for Humanity, planned senior trips, and recently participated on committees at Austin First United Methodist Church. Brenda had a servant’s heart and lived out her faith daily by lifting others, offering encouragement, and modeling Christ’s love.
Brenda’s devotion to her family was unmatched. She was a fiercely loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always cheering on her children and grandchildren in
sports, celebrating their accomplishments, and creating lasting memories through adventures big and small. Her love for sports was lifelong, and she was never happier than when she was cheering from the stands or from her living room. She especially loved the Iowa Hawkeyes and could always be counted on to show her black and gold pride on game day.
She delighted in simple joys including playing cards with friends at the senior center, gardening, baking, scrapbooking, soaking in her hot tub, and listening to rock and roll music, especially Elvis Presley and Pastor Doc’s band. Her energy, humor, and zest for life made every gathering interesting.
Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, and her twin sister Linda Lou Hall.
Brenda is survived by her husband, Jack; their daughter Jackie (John Calverley) Hayden of Racine, Wis., and son Jason (Jessica) Hayden of Owatonna. She is also survived by children from a previous marriage Tonya Robinson, Vickie Lebanousky, Randy White, and Gia Hendrickson; and stepdaughter Jody (David) Hayden-Butler; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Brenda will be remembered for her strong willed, faith-centered heart, her boundless love for family and friends, and her servant spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and unwavering faith that will live on in all who knew her. Brenda’s family invites you to celebrate her life by wearing purple or Iowa Hawkeye colors this week and sharing memories of her. Memorials are preferred to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation, in Brenda’s name. For more information or to send an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.