Margaret Virginia Hayden Warren

Margaret Virginia (Hayden) Warren passed away on January 13, 2026 with her family by her side, as a result of complications from pancreatic cancer. She approached this awful disease for almost three years with a smile and a determined attitude. She never let it stop her from going to the gym or helping family, friends and neighbors. Her efforts were enabled by the fantastic team of oncologists at Mayo Clinic, especially Dr Jason Starr and NP Stephanie Gephardt.

She is survived by her loving husband Jim, her children David (Cira) of Englewood, CO and Susan Fitzsimons (Ben) of West Sussex, UK, and her cherished twin granddaughters, Freya and Fiona, who brought her immeasurable joy and anticipation for the years ahead. She is also lovingly remembered by her life-long friend and brother, Leo along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who were touched by her generosity and warmth. She was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Hayden, and her stillborn daughter, Stephanie, whom she carried forever in her heart.

She was born in Jacksonville on August 9, 1949 and graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in 1967. She was heavily involved in Civinettes, and was recognized as Civinette of the Year in Florida, an early reflection of a life dedicated to service. She attended the University of Florida intent on becoming a physician at a time when women were required to work twice as hard to be seen as equals. The heavy course load and pressure became too much despite her persistent efforts, so she got her master’s degree in Speech Pathology and started work at Hope Haven Children’s Hospital.

She loved her position as a speech pathologist, but when the Physician Assistant career path became available, she jumped at the chance to pursue her calling and completed the rigorous Duke University PA program after two years in August 1980. She did this despite falling in love with a red-haired guy she met in a bowling league. She embarked on a 40-year career in neurology perfectly suited to her character. She listened and truly heard her patients, and provided a level of support, detail and care that was unmatched.

She married the redhead, Jim, on Nov. 28, 1981 and within seven years they celebrated the birth of two children. While raising David and Susan, she became a fixture at the school, serving on the PTA, as room mother, going on field trips, doing health seminars, and volunteering her time to all the children and school staff. But if you asked her, she would say that being a mother topped everything and nothing was too much for her children. Every birthday party had a theme with a matching cake, and every school play had Margaret in the audience with the camera. She was the best Gigi to Freya and Fiona and found so much joy in their presence.

Margaret was a life-long crafter, specializing in cross-stitching, and incorporated her renowned poetry into handmade gifts for her friends, her family, and countless others. She loved cooking for those she loved, from her heavenly bit cookies to her chicken and dumplings. She had a loyal circle of friends, from her colleagues and fellow PTA moms to her bunco group and gym ladies. Margaret was also a devout Catholic and a long-time parishioner of San Jose Catholic Church, where she also did bereavement ministry and children’s liturgy. Above all, she loved giving: whether through her time, her talents, or the perfectly chosen gift that made someone feel truly known.

Margaret’s legacy is one of love freely given, compassion deeply felt, and a life lived in service to others. She will be missed beyond words and remembered always.

A visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, located at 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223, on January 22, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Memorial Celebration of Life will take place at the same venue on January 23, 2026, starting at 2:30 pm. Following the memorial, a reception will be held at the Mandarin Community Club, 12447 Mandarin Rd., Jacksonville, FL, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on January 23, 2026.

A visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, located at 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223, on January 22, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will take place at the same venue on January 23, 2026, starting at 2:30 pm.

Following the memorial, a reception will be held at the Mandarin Community Club, 12447 Mandarin Rd., Jacksonville, FL, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on January 23, 2026.

"In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.”