Mary Gertrude Hayden

Mary Gertrude "Puddin" Hayden, 79, of Bushwood, MD passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, at Hospice House of St. Mary's, with her loving family at her side.

Born December 1, 1945, in Leonardtown, MD, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Mary Gertrude (nee: Vallandingham) Weiland.

A lifelong resident of St. Mary's County, Puddin was deeply rooted in her community and faith. She is a graduate of Father Andrew White Catholic School and a 1963 graduate of St. Mary's Academy. She completed Cosmetology school after graduating from the Academy and worked as a beautician for a short period of time. On November 13, 1965, Puddin married the love of her life, James "Dickie" Hayden, Sr., at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Compton, MD. Together they shared nearly sixty years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and family.

She was employed for over 35 years, beginning as a switchboard operator and retiring as a transcriptionist at St. Mary's Hospital, where her warm smile, gentle spirit, and dedication touched countless lives. Known for her kindness she was beloved by many friends and coworkers.

In her free time, she enjoyed spending time with her family, sharing in the joy of her children and grandchildren. Puddin had a true gift for gardening and had a natural talent for growing beautiful flowers. She took great pride in caring for her yard, keeping it vibrant and welcoming year-round. She is a long-time active member of Holy Angels Catholic Church in Avenue, MD.

Puddin is survived by her beloved husband, James "Dickie" Hayden, Sr.; her children: James "Jamie" Hayden Jr., Robert "Jesse" Hayden; Michael "Jody" Hayden (Renee); and Jennifer Tandy Campbell (Allen); her brother's, Lawrence "Bunky" Weiland and Allen Weiland; and her grandchildren; Mykayla Hayden, Nace Hayden (Robyn), Matthew Hayden; Justin Campbell; Allison Campbell; Mason Hayden; Nathan Campbell; and Austin Campbell; and many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her siblings: Mark Weiland, Katherine C. Anderson, Frances Goldsborough, Patrick Weiland, and Joseph Weiland.

Family will receive friends on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., with prayers recited by Deacon Joseph Lloyd at 6:00 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend James Oberle on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 21340 Colton Point Road Avenue, MD 20609. Interment will be private.

Serving as pallbearers will be Puddin's grandsons: Nace Hayden, Matthew Hayden, Justin Campbell, Mason Hayden, Nathan Campbell, and Austin Campbell. Honorary pallbearers will be her granddaughters, Mykayla Hayden and Allison Campbell.

Memorial contributions in Puddin's name may be made to Hospice House of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Puddin will be remembered for her generous heart, unwavering faith, and deep devotion to her family. Her legacy of love and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.