HENNIKER, NH:  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.