Mary Beth Hayman

Mary Beth Hayman, age 51, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2021.  Mary Beth was born on January 23, 1970 with significant disabilities. At birth, doctors predicted her life would be short and that she would not walk or talk. They were wrong.

Mary Beth grew up in Wyckoff, NJ. Her mother, Betty Hayman, father, Henry Hayman, and brother, Tom Hayman, loved and supported her. She was a special education student and graduated from Paramus Vocational HS. She loved bowling and earned many bowling trophies during her childhood. In the early 1980’s, she began to participate in the Special Olympics, and she excelled at race walking. In 1987, Mary Beth competed in the International Special Olympics at the University of Notre Dame. She won a gold medal to the delight of dozens who made the trip to cheer her on, and the South Bend Tribune featured her photo on the front of its sports section.

When she was 27 years old, Mary Beth moved into a group home in Washington Township. Over the years, she also lived in group homes in West Milford, Parsippany and Elizabeth, NJ. She loved the staff and her housemates in each group home, and she thrived at day programs where she worked, danced and made countless friends. Mary Beth’s family could not be more grateful for the love and support of people who have dedicated their lives to helping people with disabilities.

Most of all, Mary Beth loved people. She had special relationships with her aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, nieces, nephew and sister-in-law. Everyone she met was her friend. An introduction to Mary Beth meant a long, strong hug.  A greeting and hug from Mary Beth would make anyone’s day, and nothing made her happier than making others smile. She loved holidays (especially Christmas and Eggnog), parties and going out to eat. No one has hugged more restaurant waiters and waitresses than Mary Beth.

Mary Beth overcame the challenges that came her way because she was so loving and positive. She was inspiring and unforgettable to everyone who met her.

Mary Beth is survived by her mother, Betty Hayman of Hilton Head, SC, her brother Tom Hayman, sister-in-law, Judy Hayman, niece Maddie Hayman and nephew Nick Hayman of Marblehead, MA, and niece Katie Hayman of Corpus Christi, TX. She was predeceased by her father, Henry Hayman.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis by the Sea Church in Hilton Head, SC in late March. Donations in Mary Beth’s memory can be made to Special Olympics of New Jersey sonj.org., or mailed to Special Olympics New Jersey, 1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481

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