Judith H (Hayes) Beatson

Judith Hayes Beatson, age 90, a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, of East Haddam, CT, formerly of Southington, CT, Dundee, IL, Madison, CT, and Rockingham, VT passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026. She was born in Hartford, CT, on April 2, 1936, the youngest of seven children of Gladys and Edmund Hayes.

Judy (Hayes) met Richard F. Beatson in Hartford, introduced by a mutual friend. They maintained a long-distance relationship for two years while Richard (Dick) served in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Germany. They were married on September 14, 1957, and together built a life centered on love and family for 63 years, raising five children.

Judy received her Registered Nurse (RN) degree from St. Francis Hospital in 1957, where she began her lifelong calling of caring for others. Her nursing career continued at Bradley Memorial Hospital in Southington, CT, as well as at Watrous Nursing Home in Madison, CT.

A creative and talented woman, Judy loved sewing, creating beautiful home décor, playing the piano, and singing in numerous church and choral groups. She was actively involved with the Shoreline Arts Alliance in Madison for many years. She also enjoyed reading, especially historical novels. An avid swimmer and accomplished diver, she shared her love of the water with her children and grandchildren.

Judy spent many years researching her family genealogy, traveling to Ireland, England, and Nova Scotia to uncover her heritage, which she thoughtfully compiled into a book. She and Dick traveled extensively throughout their lives, both as a couple and with their five children, enjoying many destinations in the USA and abroad.

When Dick’s work took them to West Dundee, IL, Judy worked as a private-duty nurse before transitioning into real estate. Following their move to Madison, CT, she partnered with her husband in his successful sales agency, working side by side until their retirement in 2001, when they relocated to Rockingham, VT. Judy cherished her years in Vermont, creating a year-round gathering place for family, filled with swimming and hiking in the summer and sledding and skiing in the winter, sharing the beauty of Vermont with her children and grandchildren.

Judy and Dick were devout Catholics who gave generously of their time to their parish communities. Judy shared her gifts through music, sewing celebratory vestments for priests, and decorating the altar for holidays. Her deep faith and love for children also led her and Dick to foster young children for several years after her own children were grown.

Judith was predeceased by Richard Francis Beatson Sr. her dear husband and is survived by her five loving children: daughter Cheryl Powell of East Haddam, CT; son Richard F. Beatson, Jr. and his wife Mary of Plymouth, MA; daughter Marguerite Tracy and her husband Glen of Beaufort, SC; son James Beatson and his wife Caroline Krantz of Quincy, MA; and daughter Catherine Beatson of Chester, VT. She was also blessed with twelve cherished grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren all who loved her very much.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 1050 Flanders Road, Southington, CT on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at the St. Thomas Cemetery, 209 Belleview Ave., Southington, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Judy may be given to Chestelm Health and Rehabilitation Center, 534 Town St., Moodus, CT 06469. 

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