Margaret Hayden, 85, a resident of Plymouth since 1967, joined her beloved husband C. R. in God's heaven after a brief battle with cancer on Monday, September 19 at 8:45 a.m. in Pilgrim Manor in Plymouth.
      
       Margaret Sirois was born on August 2, 1926, the third child of Earl "Frenchy" and Fern Sirois in Shelby, Indiana.
      
       "Margy" graduated from Lowell High School in 1944 and took pride in being voted the best athlete in her class, beating out future husband Dick in the voting.
      
       In 1947, Margaret graduated from Ball State with a degree as a registered nurse and began her career shortly thereafter at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie. She and Dick were married on June 6, 1947 in her home in Shelby.
      
       Margaret loved her work as a registered nurse, especially hospital nursing. She retired in 1982 after 35 years of providing tender loving care to her patients.
      
       Margaret was an avid sports fan. She loved the Cubs, the Bears, and the Colts. But her fondest sports memories were of rooting for her three sons. Kim, Mike, and Marc were the recipients of strong athletic genes and had the unwavering support of their parents growing up. One parent, and usually both, were always in the stands when a Hayden son competed. Like the mailman, Margaret and C.R. never missed their sons' competing.
      
       With Dick's job forcing him on the road with Standard Oil, it was left to Margaret to care for the boys through the week. bountiful breakfasts were the rule of the day during school and breakfast remains the favorite meal of the Hayden sons. The Hayden home was the gathering spot for many, many youngsters as the boys grew up. Margaret's delicious chocolate chip cookies were always available unless her tasty oatmeal cookies were the fare for the week. Horseshoe pitching, wiffle ball games, shooting hoops, or climbing the always present "Tarzan rope" kept the kids active.
      
       Margaret and C. R. were devoted members of the Lowell class of 44' monthly gatherings. Anywhere from 15 - 40 members / spouses still gather in and around Lowell to share treasured friendships.
      
       Margaret is survived by her sons: Richard Kimbel (Connie) of Greensburg, IN, Timothy Michael (Nancy) of Plymouth, and Marc V. (Diane) of Plymouth.
      
       Margaret has seven grandchildren: Kim's sons are Patrick and Brandon with great-grandsons Austin, Arison and Andon and great-granddaughter Alexandria belonging to Patrick. Michael's children are Kara and Kyle, and great-granddaughters Emma and Kate belonging to Kyle and great-grandson Evan belonging to Kara. Marc's three children are Danielle, Zachary, and Vincent.
      
       Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Dick, her parents, and one brother, Bob Sirois.
      
       A joint memorial service for Margaret and C. R. (Dick) Hayden will be held Sunday, October 23 at Johnson-Danielson funeral Home 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Visitation will be from 12 - 2 with a service to follow.
      
       Memorial gifts may be made to Center for Hospice Care, 112 S. Center St., Plymouth, IN 46563.