Evelyn Hailey

Evelyn M. Hailey WILLIAMSBURG - Evelyn M. Hailey, 89, a 19-year resident of Williamsburg and formerly of Norfolk, died March 29, 2011. She was a member of Williamsburg United Methodist Church and was a former member of the First United Methodist Church, Norfolk. Mrs. Hailey was the daughter of the late Vice-Adm. Charles B. "Swede" and Anne Offutt Momsen. He was known as the inventor of the "Momsen Lung" an early version of the Aqualung. He also led the rescue of the crew of the submarine USS Squalus in 1939. Mrs. Hailey lived in the Philippines, China, and Hawaii among other places with her parents. She was a witness to the events at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. She was the sponsor for her father's namesake, USS Momsen DDG92. She married Robert Hailey on March 26, 1943. Capt. Hailey's career took them many places, including the Panama Canal Zone. After retirement, they were fortunate to have the opportunity to travel extensively. Mrs. Hailey was elected to serve as a delegate from Norfolk and a portion Virginia Beach from 1974-1981 and then continued her service as a Virginia State Senator from 1981-1982. She was the second woman ever elected to the Virginia Senate. While in office, she was an advocate for woman's rights, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Community College system, and the unifying of ports among others. She was very active in the League of Women Voters. She was an accomplished seamstress, knitter, and painter and didn't mind trying almost any craft. She kept her mind learning and growing throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Robert H. Hailey; and her, brother Capt. Charles B. Momsen Jr. She is survived by her husband of 68 years; daughter, Anne Hailey Bartee; son and his wife, Dr. Christopher T. Hailey and Dr. Esther DaCosta-Meyer; a very dear daughter-in-law, Susan H. Hailey; six grandchildren, Jessica B. Thompson, Jonathan M. Bartee, Joanna B. Ryan, Andrew Hailey, Brian Hailey, and Sharon Hailey; five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. April 2, at Chambrel's Living Room. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your charity of choice. Online condolences may be registered at www.bucktroutfuneralhome.net.