Rachael Margaret Hayford

Rachael Margaret Hayford

Age 103, of Richfield. Died peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by family, on June 9, 2025.

Preceded in death by husbands, Andrew O. Hayford and LaMoure Dagen; daughter, Margaret Hayford O’Leary; parents, Theodore and Esther Skatrud; sister, LaVaughn (Lloyd) Revier; and nephew, Jim Revier.

Survived by daughter, Andrea (Brant) Nelson; son-in-law, Doug O’Leary; grandchildren, Kari O’Leary, Erik (Jen) O’Leary, Sean Hayford O’Leary, Tyler Nelson, and Victor Nelson; great-grandchildren, Miriam O’Leary and Rueben O’Leary; nephew, David (Noreen) Revier; niece, Susan Meland; beloved grand-nieces; and other loving family and friends.

Rachael was born in Duluth, MN. Before she, her mother, and sister boarded the train back to Donaldson, MN, her grandfather Albert Paulsen insisted that she be baptized. That, he said, would ensure a safe journey.

The family moved many times due to her father’s job as a depot agent for the railroad. They moved from Donaldson, MN, to St. Hilaire when Rachael was 2 years old. Then the family moved from St. Hilaire to Aneta, ND, when Rachael was 12 years old. They later settled in Argyle, MN when she was 15 years old.

A lifelong music lover, Rachael joined the school band at age 9. She also lettered in both band and pep club in high school. She graduated from Argyle High in 1940.

In 1941, she was accepted to the University of North Dakota, where she joined the Delta Zeta sorority and played in the band. In 1942, she moved to Minneapolis to attend the Minneapolis Business School. She made her home at the Clara Doerr Club and formed lifelong friendships there.

In 1944, Rachael moved into her first apartment and began her career with the Better Business Bureau. In 1946, she took a job working for an attorney—where she met her first husband, Andrew O. Hayford. They courted for several years and were married in 1950. Rachael was working at Cargill by then. When she found out she was pregnant, she left her job and welcomed their first child, Margaret Vivian, in 1951. In 1954, Rachael and Andrew purchased their first home in Richfield, MN.

Rachael later returned to the workforce and applied to the Delmark Company, which was acquired by Sandoz Nutrition in 1972. During her interview, she was asked if the job was just to pay for new carpet or looking for a permanent position with the company. She never imagined how permanent the job would become as she worked there for 32 years, retiring in 1987 in the role of Corporate Secretary.

In 1961, Rachael and Andrew welcomed their second daughter, Andrea Jean. Rachael was able to take 12 weeks off before returning to work.

Not only did she work full-time at Sandoz Nutrition at the executive level while raising two children, she also remained deeply active in her church. As a devoted member of Woodlake Lutheran Church in Richfield, her faith was a cornerstone of her life. She sang in the choir, knit prayer shawls, participated in the Rebecca Circle, and made baptismal napkins.

After Andrew’s passing in 1981, Rachael married LaMoure Dagen in 1985. They spent winters in Scottsdale, AZ, for several years and enjoyed traveling together. In 1989, she took on a part-time job at Wells Fargo in check processing—expecting it to be temporary, she stayed for 25 years and retired at the age of 92.

Rachael was blessed with five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She loved babysitting and took great joy in attending their events. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her a deep sense of purpose and joy in her later years.

In January 2018, Rachael sold her home of 64 years to her grandson, Sean, and moved into Havenwood of Richfield that September. She loved her time at Havenwood and formed many meaningful friendships during her years there.

In 2023, she moved to Heart to Home, where she received excellent care. She was still able to attend weekly church services at Woodlake.

With the help of her dear friend Lue Mullen and her husband, she continued to attend services at her beloved church. Her final wish was to see the spring—her favorite season—a time she cherished for its renewal and beauty.

We would also like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Heart to Home who took such great care of Rachael in her final years—especially Vicki and Rane. Thank you for bringing our loved one so much comfort in her final days.

Rachael’s joy for life, her devotion to family, and her boundless energy will be remembered by all who knew her.