Leslie Hayward Hill

Leslie Hayward Hill, age 77, of Mount Pleasant, SC, formerly of Rye, N.H. and Wellesley Hills, MA., passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026. Born in New Bedford, MA., she was the daughter of the late Calvin and Sally Hayward. Leslie was raised in Fairhaven, MA where she made lifelong friendships and played the clarinet in Fairhaven High School’s marching band. She went on to earn an Associate’s degree from Colby-Sawyer College and later a Bachelor of Art’s degree in Finance and Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University. Leslie’s keen eye for detail and knack for numbers led her to a distinguished career working for prominent financial and academic institutions, including State Street Research and Management, The Boston Company, Software Research and Phillips Exeter Academy. It was at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH, where Leslie found her calling, serving as the academy’s accountant for 20 years. Above all, Leslie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Her superpower was her unwavering loyalty and determination which she courageously demonstrated in the later years of her life, caring for her beloved and recently deceased husband, Cal, whom she was married to for 50-years, all while battling a brave 10-yearlong battle with endometrial cancer. She is survived by her son, C. Austin Hill III and his wife Rochelle of Powell, OH; her daughter, Sarah H. Hill and her husband Pablo of Mount Pleasant, SC; three cherished grandchildren; her sister, Nancy Brooks (Hayward) of Rochester, MA and several cousins, nieces and nephews. She was deeply loved and will be forever missed. Leslie will be laid to rest beside the love of her life, Cal, at Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston, where a graveside memorial service will be held for close family and friends.