Theresa Jean (Gardiner) Hayden was born to Donald Gardiner and Joan (Armacost) Gardiner on December, 15, 1961 in Hamilton, Ohio. Shortly after she was born, Theresa's family relocated to the DC area, where she spent the remainder of her life. After her mother passed away when she was five, Theresa's father married Sheila and her family grew from three brothers and two sisters to six brothers and three sisters. Theresa graduated from Largo High School in 1979 and received her cosmetology license shortly thereafter. Over the years she befriended dozens of colleagues and charmed countless customers while working as a hairdresser.

On August 24, 1982, Theresa married Melvin (Mel) Hayden. They had two sons, Christopher (Chris), born in 1983, and Jeffrey (Jeff), born in 1987. In 2019, Theresa's greatest wish came true when she welcomed her grandchild, Carter James Hayden, into the world. Theresa's family was always her first love, but she was also an avid dog lover, ultimately bringing about a dozen furry family members into the Hayden household over the years.

In 2009, after already having lost one sister to cancer and while supporting another who was battling cancer, Theresa herself was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought like hell and beat the cancer, but she was never able to fully overcome the effects of the treatment. On October 30, 2021, Theresa passed away unexpectedly at home in Owings, MD. She will be greatly missed.

Theresa is survived by her husband Mel; her sons Chris (wife Terumi) and Jeff (wife Cassie); her grandchild Carter; her brothers Steve, Chris, Mike, Paul, Graham, and Bryan; her sister Donna Lynn; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father Donald; her mother Joan; her stepmother Sheila; and her sisters Donna and Dottie.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so are encouraged to make a donation to the ASPCA in Theresa's name.

Visitation
Saturday, November 13, 2021
1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Rausch Funeral Home-Owings
8325 Mt. Harmony Lane
Owings, MD 20736


Services
Saturday, November 13, 2021
2:00 P.M.
Rausch Funeral Home-Owings
8325 Mt. Harmony Lane
Owings, MD 20736


Interment
Private

Contributions
ASPCA
P.O. Box 96929
Washington, DC 20090-6929

Link:
https://secure.aspca.org