She is survived by her parents, Nick and Shari Veil; her brother, Carson Veil; her grandparents, Jeff and Lavon Veil, and John and Rosalie Long; her great-grandmother Christina Long; her aunts and uncles, Jamison and Marie Veil, Lorena and Sonny Phrommany, Annie and Russell Gerhardt, Sandi and Perry Piatz, and Lisa and Nathan Neameyer; and dozens of cousins who she loved deeply.
Hailey had just completed her second year at the University of Nebraska, where she was pursuing a degree in early childhood education with an emphasis in special education. She was a proud member of Delta Delta Delta and cherished the friendships and sisterhood she found there.
She lived a life full of creativity, laughter, and connection. Hailey was always making something, whether crocheting, painting, or crafting, and she was rarely without a project in her hands. She loved music and could often be heard singing around the house. In high school, she was involved in show choir, unified choir, which brought together general and special education students, and swimming. Earlier, she spent years in gymnastics and taekwondo.
Hailey had a generous heart and a deep desire to give back. She loved coordinating her sorority’s fundraising efforts for St. Jude, bringing people together for a cause she cared about. She was also an All Seasons Lifesaver with the Nebraska Community Blood Bank, giving blood throughout the year and taking great pride in reaching her first gallon milestone.
She was confident in who she was and lived that truth openly. Her favorite shirt said: live, laugh, lesbian. She made people feel seen and accepted exactly as they were, creating spaces where others felt safe, welcomed, and valued.
Hailey loved her friends fiercely, from the cul-de-sac crew she grew up with to late runs for boba tea. She was a collector of many things, which meant her room was always a little messy and full of life, just like her.
She had a way of being close to the people she loved, often leaning in for a cuddle and filling your space with her presence, but always on her own terms. She was playful and mischievous, loved teasing, and never passed up the chance to “torture” the family dogs with affection.
Above all, Hailey loved her brother, Carson. Whether they were working together, playing video games, or simply sitting side by side, those were some of her happiest moments.
Hailey’s life, though far too short, was full of warmth, creativity, and deep love for the people around her. She will be missed beyond words and remembered in every song, every laugh, and every small, beautiful thing she created.
We are holding a wake at our home in Oxbow at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 30. All are welcome at 421 Trent Jones Dr., Oxbow, ND.
Funeral services for Hailey will be Tuesday, June 2, at 10 a.m. at Roper & Sons South Lincoln Chapel
3950 Hohensee, Lincoln, NE
Her favorite flower was a lily – any color.
Memorials in her honor can be sent to St. Jude or Nebraska Community Blood Bank. https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=8558583…