Diana Hayden, born November 24th, 1949, a cherished individual known for her wit, compassion, and intellect, passed away on July 14, 2024 in Santa Cruz County, CA. Diana lived a life filled with love, accomplishment, and service towards others. She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her sons: Kristopher Klassen and Brandon Klassen; her grandchildren: Nicolette Klassen, Hazel Klassen, Aaron Klassen, and Sean Klassen; her step-grandchildren, Colette Menezes and Cameron Menezes; her great-grandchild, Solar Ollie Storm; her siblings, Vincent Grana, Nicolette Fretwell, and Christy Williams; her nieces, Meghann Williams and Marinna Neary; her nephews, Alexander Fretwell and Peter Fretwell; her great-nieces, Elrose Neary and Julia Fuchs; her great-nephews, Ethan Fretwell and Dylan Fretwell. She was predeceased by her husband, Christopher Hayden.

Diana was an esteemed alumna of Northeastern University, where she earned her MBA. After graduation, she worked at Xerox. Then in the early 1990s, Diana worked for Oracle’s executive program in Leadership Development. Diana held key executive positions at Applied Materials and Veritas, at a time when women rarely did this type of work. She was a shining example of industriousness and determination to everyone she knew.

It was not just her professional accomplishments that distinguished Diana as an individual. She was passionate about her volunteer work with the Alzheimer’s Association, having lost her husband to a similar disease. She also volunteered at Hospice of Santa Cruz County, the Grey Bears Healthy Food for Seniors program, the Homeless Garden Project, the Seacliff Improvement Association, and CERT. She was a vital and active part of her community.

In remembrance of Diana, we have established “The Diana Hayden Memorial Fund.” Instead of flowers, those wishing to honor Diana's memory may contribute to this fund at the following URL: dianahayden.link

Your donations will serve as a testament to Diana's life, reflecting her impact on those who were privileged enough to have known her. Funds will be split between the organizations mentioned above, where she found so much meaning.

Though Diana’s body has died, you can still see her now and then. She might be by the sea next time you go to smell the salty air or under a redwood tree looking up with you or sitting next to you in a garden in the sun. Keep an eye out and listen. You’ll find her. 

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