Gail Tupper Hayden died in her home on Saturday August 7, 2021 with her loving family at her side. Gail was born on November 3, 1942 in Islip, New York to Marian Eccleston Tupper and Arthur Wellesley Tupper.

She is survived by her sister Claire Tupper of Islip, New York, partner Dave Connors of Henniker, New Hampshire, daughter Wendy Hayden Koch and son-in-law Bob Koch of Francestown, New Hampshire, son David Hayden, daughter-in-law Jacqui Harris, and grandson Colby Hayden of Forest Hills, New York, and pre-deceased by her husband Perry Hayden. Gail and Perry met at Bates College where they each graduated and got married.

Gail had a memorable life marked by her infectious attitude, can-do-spirit, boundless energy, love of long walks, and gardening. Her proudest achievements include owning the Fragrance Shop and Golden Pineapple, being an active member of the Rhododendron Society, as well as her many accomplishments with the Henniker Rotary Club including creating Amy Brook Park, the Outdoor Guide, and being honored as a Paul Harris Fellow.

She ran the Fragrance Shop out of her barn in Hopkinton selling potpourri, wreaths, and flowers out of the ground in the back yard. The booths she and Wendy ran at the Sunapee Fair for ten summers were popular attractions for the beautiful wreaths and the scent of potpourri.

Gail later built The Golden Pineapple on route 202 in Henniker where she, Perry, Wendy, and David loved interacting with the community for twenty years. They were at the forefront of the Beanie Baby craze because Gail discovered the cute bears before they became popular and was able to receive shipments most could not. She was happy to donate extra earnings to local causes such as the community school and White Birch.

Gail served as the first female president of the Henniker Rotary Club. She enjoyed meeting with friends while accomplishing important goals like creating Amy Brook Park and the Outdoor Guide, which Gail created after walking hundreds (thousands?) of miles in the region.

Much of her free time was spent gardening and traveling. She visited several countries as well as all fifty states and planted hundreds of rhododendrons. She loved to travel by car so she could bring kayaks, canoes, bikes, hiking shoes, snowshoes, swimsuit, tents, and everything she needed for the latest adventure.

Services will be held on August 21, 2021 at the Henniker Congregational Church at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. She was especially fond of supporting local groups that assist those in need within the community.

The Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family.

For more log on to www.holtwoodburyfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Union Leader on Aug. 10, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Gail Hayden

12 Entries

Sally Perkins

May 19, 2025

Gail was a treasure. Met her thru her Rhododendron at the Golden Pineapple from a mutual friend, one will be registered by me for Perry Hayden as she requested. So sorry for your loss. Sally

Ernest Steinmetz

November 11, 2022

Was not aware of Gail's passing until a few days ago. We both graduated from Islip High school in the class of 60'. Met with her and Perry over lunch at Bates college while en route to Loring AFB in Northern Maine. Lost track of them until looking for a book on herbs and found one written by Gail. We began corresponding via email. I will remember her always.

Wyatt Reynolds

August 16, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss, David. Your Mom's obituary brought tears to my eyes. I hope, in time, your memories of her become a blessing -- and please know we will plant a rhody in her memory.

Marie Wallden, Raleigh, NC

August 13, 2021

David and family, I am so sorry to hear of Gail's passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. She sounds like an amazing woman, and I hope your many warm memories of her will carry you through this difficult time.

Jim Pucillo

August 12, 2021

Dear Wendy and David,
Age keeps me from being able to attend Gail's service in person. However, I will be there in spirit and a lifetime of memories.
Jim

Misty Schliesman

August 11, 2021

So sorry. My prayers are with you, sending love.

Hugs and love - The Powells

Planted Trees

Marilyn Paul

August 10, 2021

So sorry to read of Gail´s passing. She was definitely a gift to Henniker in many ways. I loved working for her and Perry at the Pineapple for several summers, and that big wooden pineapple that stood tall in front of the store was an icon for our town.

Cindy Brundrett

August 10, 2021

May Memories of your mother help ease your sorrows. She was a very special person and will be missed.

Marion Day Czaja

August 10, 2021

Dear Dave, Wendy and Others, I grieve the loss of a dear friend who lived life to the fullest and shared so much joy with me at Bates and beyond. I know she never forgot our canoe trip with the swarming black flies in N. Maine,nor the wonderful visits we had in Henniker, nor the visit with the "Day" sisters in VT. Nor our sweet visit in Vero Beach, Florida when Dave had the flu. Gail will be missed...her joy and delightful giggle and full laugh.My sympathy to you who were so close to her. I pray that you may know His peace even as Hail has found peace. Love, Marion

Vicki Loh

August 9, 2021

Dear Wendy, your mom was a really special person. You have been blessed having her for your mom. My prayer is for your peace and comfort as you miss her.

Linda Mai

August 9, 2021

My heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. She was quite the woman and certainly made the most of her time here on this earth....a life well lived and long missed.

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