Dr. Evelyn R. Hayes

Dr. Evelyn “Lyn” R. Hayes, a visionary nurse educator, researcher, military leader, and fierce advocate for global health, passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on July 17, surrounded by her family. She leaves behind a legacy that transformed the nursing profession for nearly six decades.

Grounded early in life by the ethos of the Good Samaritan, “Go and do thou likewise”, Dr. Hayes lived a mission-driven, adventurous life anchored by her personal motto: “Peace, love, and joy.” She brought warmth, optimism, and deep care to every student, patient, colleague, and person she encountered throughout her extraordinary life.

Dr. Hayes earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Cornell University-New York Hospital School of Nursing (1965), her Master of Science in Public Health Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1967), her PhD in Higher Education from Boston College (1978), and her Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (1997). Her distinguished academic career began at the University of Connecticut. In 1983, she joined the faculty at the University of Delaware, where she served as Chair of the Department of Nursing Science, Director of the Nurse-Managed Health Center, and Coordinator of the Honors Nursing Program. For over three decades at UD, she shaped generations of students, nurses, nurse scientists, educators, and healthcare executives in both clinical practice and research.

A prolific scholar, Dr. Hayes co-edited and authored eight editions of Pharmacology: A Nursing Process Approach, a seminal textbook used by hundreds of thousands of nursing students worldwide to translate complex pharmacology concepts into safe, compassionate clinical care. Her structural innovations and leadership were recognized with the University of Delaware Medal of Distinction, the UD Faculty Senate Award for Advising and Mentoring, and her appointment as Trustees’ Distinguished Professor Emerita. In retirement, she remained a vital force in community resilience, founding and sponsoring the annual Evelyn Hayes Innovations in Healthcare Symposium at the University of Delaware to bring together researchers, clinicians, and legislators to solve pressing public health challenges.

Dr. Hayes devoted decades to global and local nursing governance through Sigma Theta Tau International (Sigma). A proud Virginia Henderson Fellow, she served on numerous international task forces, held leadership roles in the Beta Xi and Mu Chapters, and supported the Tri-State Consortium. Her enduring impact was recognized with the Sigma Tri-State Consortium Impact Award and a nomination for the prestigious Nell J. Watts Lifetime Achievement Award. Her peers revered her as a true “Delaware Nursing Legend.”

Her commitment to her country was demonstrated through 23 years of service in the U.S. Army Reserve Nurse Corps, retiring at the rank of Colonel. Her military career culminated as the Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the Chief of Nursing Administration at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and she was decorated with the Meritorious Service Medal and multiple Army Commendation Medals.

Throughout her life, Dr. Hayes was a tireless volunteer and philanthropist, giving her time to the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps, local behavioral health consortiums, youth mental health organizations such as Sean’s House, Project C.U.R.E., Newark Morning Rotary, and the First Presbyterian Church of Newark.

She was the daughter of the late Justin Ferdinand Hayes and Margaret Ruth (Koons) Hayes. 

She is survived by her loving sister, Carol (Hayes) Tyree, and Carol’s husband, Barry; her nieces and nephews; and her great-nieces and nephews; along with many cherished friends. Her legacy of service, scholarship, kindness, and joy will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Thursday, August 13th, 2026 at 2PM in the Cattail Cafe at Jenners Pond, 2000 Greenbriar Lane, West Grove, PA 19390. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 15th, 2026 beginning at 11AM at First Presbyterian Church Newark, 292 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19711.

In honor of Lyn’s love of bright colors, all guests are encouraged to wear your brightest, happiest, and most uplifting attire. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Lyn’s name to:

- Sean’s House, 136 W. Main St., Newark, DE 19711 or https://seanshousesl24.com/

- Newark Morning Rotary Club, ℅ Robin Broommall, 22 Harvest Lane, Newark, DE 19711 or https://nmrde.org/

- First Presbyterian Church Newark, 292 W/ Main St., Newark, DE 19711 or https://fpcplayground.org/

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