Janet McGraw Hayden's Obituary
Janet McGraw Hayden, 78, died on May 15, 2025, at her home with her husband by her side.
Janet was born on October 22, 1946, in New York to Paul and Catherine "Kay" McGraw. She grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, and attended St. Mary's Academy. After graduation, she worked at the State Department for a year before attending George Mason University, taking a break after three years to raise a family. Years later, after work and on weekends, she completed her BA in Business from Park College. She worked in administration and finance at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Academy starting in 1987 then transferred to the engineering department where she was a program manager in finance until she retired in 2011. After retirement, she worked for Phil Hayden and Associates and Corporate Global Solutions as the Vice President assisting her husband Phil.
Janet had a reserved nature and did not wear her emotions on her sleeve, but she had a kind, thoughtful demeanor and will especially be remembered for her inquisitive nature, her enlightening conversations, her wealth of knowledge, and her love for her family and friends.
Janet had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed traveling and seeing the world, learning about places and their pasts. Janet was captivated by the rich history of Pompeii and the Colosseum in Rome. She hiked and camped in the Grand Canyon three times carrying a backpack almost as big as she was. She loved and was very knowledgeable about wildlife and her photography safari in Africa with her husband and friends was a highlight for her.
Janet is survived by her husband, Philip Hayden; her children, Christi (Michael) Hursta and Erin (Tom) Finley; her stepchildren, Kimberly (Jason) Ostrander, Jennifer (David) Breder, Kristen (Walter) Mora, and Allison (David) Willard; her grandchildren, Claire Hursta, Matthew Hursta, Lawson Finley, and Morgan Finley; her step-grandchildren, Riley Ostrander, Haley Ostrander, Emma Delage, Hudson Ostrander, Zachary Breder, Lauren Breder, William Mora, and Eliana Mora: sisters, Jean Schaeffer and Kathi F. McGraw; brother, Kevin (Susan) McGraw; sister-in-law, Grace McGraw; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Catherine McGraw; and her brother, Paul McGraw.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 10719 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg; where the funeral service will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. A reception will follow with light refreshments.
Tunnel to Towers Foundation is an organization that supports fallen veterans and first responders and their families. Janet and Phil have supported this foundation for several years. Donations can be made in memory of Janet Hayden by visiting t2t.org or by calling (718) 987-1931.
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