Judith A. Hayward

   Judith "Judy" (Briggs) Hayward, 84, of Melbourne, FL passed away on May 11, 2022 in Palm Bay, FL after a period of declining health. 

   Judy was born in Manchester, NH on February 21, 1938 to Frederick and Mildred (Cote) Briggs. She graduated from St. Joseph's Girls High School before marrying and starting a family with her husband, John Hayward. A mother of three by age 23, Judy's unwavering commitment to her family and children was apparent in everything she did. As she and John raised their family, Judy worked a number of jobs before ultimately owning and operating Hayward's Furniture, a furniture store in Manchester, for many years. Judy's success as a businesswoman was earned in the same way she earned the love and admiration of all who knew her; her positivity, warmth, determination, and infectiously fun spirit made her a friend to all. 

   Later in her life, Judy was known to greatly enjoy swimming, golfing, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who affectionately called her Nanny. Judy was an ever-present fixture in her family's lives, there at every sports game, birthday, anniversary, or Thanksgiving-Christmas dinner, which she hosted each year before she and John went south for the winter. While time spent with Judy was undoubtedly fun and light-hearted, her traditions, even the silly ones, were the foundation of a loving family that she spent her life cultivating. 

   Judy was predeceased by her parents; her brother James Briggs, and her step-mother Helen Briggs. 

   Judy is survived by her husband of 64 years, John, of Melbourne, FL; three children, Kathleen "Kay" Harmon and her husband, Richard, of Exeter, NH, Sean Hayward and his wife, Cathy, of Bonita Springs, FL, and Brian Hayward and his wife, Linda, of Bedford, NH; six grandchildren, Morgan Morris and her husband Michael, Colin Hayward, David and Sarah Harmon, Patrick and Lauren Hayward; a brother, Frederick Briggs Jr. and his wife, Judy; and several nieces, and nephews. 

   SERVICES: There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday June 2nd at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 190 Meetinghouse Rd., Bedford, NH. The burial will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Bedford. 

   Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester, is assisting the family with arrangements.