Lydia Barraclough Hayes

Lydia Barraclough Hayes, 97, of Charlottesville Virginia, died peacefully at home on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

Born on February 18, 1929, in Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, Lydia grew up in her hometown and graduated from Reynoldsville High School. She went on to attend Pennsylvania State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa in recognition of her academic achievement.

Lydia shared a long and loving life with her husband, O. Darrell Hayes, who preceded her in death. Together they nurtured a love of travel that took them throughout much of Europe, as well as to Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and extensively across the United States. Following Darrell’s retirement, they continued their spirit of adventure and service volunteering with the International Executive Service Corps. Their assignments took them to Bangladesh twice and to Zambia. There Lydia worked with local artists to help market their handiwork in the US., at local schools and with various women’s organizations. These experiences reflected her enduring curiosity about the world and her commitment to connecting with and supporting others.

Service to her community was constant throughout Lydia’s life. Wherever her family lived, she found meaningful ways to contribute. A lifelong communicant in the Episcopal Church Lydia was active with the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), on the altar guild and in the Sunday School. She also volunteered with the PTA, the YWCA, the Girl Scouts and Meals on Wheels. While living in New Providence, New Jersey she volunteered with the Overlook Hospital Auxiliary, known as the TWIGS, serving a term as president. She faithfully found ways to give back to the communities she called home.

Lydia came from a family of florists. Her love of flowers and gardening remained throughout her life. Her home was often filled with flowers and she took particular pleasure in growing herbs. She was an accomplished cook and baker, renowned for her pies that were among Darrell’s favorites. An avid reader, Lydia remained a devoted subscriber to The New York Times until her death, maintaining her interest in the wider world throughout her life.

Lydia is survived by her daughter, Linda Hayes Barnett (Dennis), of Zion Crossroads, Virginia; her son, Douglas James Hayes (Katherine), of Maplewood, New Jersey; and four grandchildren: James Hayes (Ashley), Christine Petrak (Edward), Andrew Hayes (Elizabeth), and Kathleen LaPelusa (Joseph). She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Thomas, Henry, Eliza, Maxwell, Elouise, Owen, Cooper and Zoey.

In addition to her beloved husband Darrell, Lydia was preceded in death by her parents, Roland and Agnes Barraclough; her brothers, Kenneth Barraclough and Clifford Barraclough; and her sister, Elizabeth John.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Lydia’s life on Saturday November 21, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Francis-of-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 689 Sugartown Rd., Malvern, Pennsylvania. Visitation with the family will begin at 9:00 am.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St.-Francis-of-the-Fields Episcopal Church or Breakthrough T1D, PO. Box 5021, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5021 or at BreakthroughT1D.org, in honor of Lydia’s life.

An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com

Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is honored to serve Lydia’s family.