Hazel was born in Herbert, Saskatchewan, on June 21, 1947 and was the middle child in a family of seven siblings. She grew up on a farm near Main Centre. She treasured things as a child that were her own; that weren’t hand-me-downs or things she had to share. That independent spirit mixed with compassion and grace was a thread of loveliness throughout her life.
Her interests in high school were drama, singing and the sciences. She chose classes in high school that would help her qualify for acceptance to nurses training one day. She had been influenced by a visiting missionary nurse from overseas that inspired her. Hazel had an aptitude for knowledge, eloquent speaking and writing abilities, and quiet leadership skills.
Hazel attended Briercrest Bible college for 3 years, where she sang in the chorale as well as a trio that travelled and was featured on local radio.
Hazel met the love of her life, Ray Scheirer, in Winnipeg and married him on July 18, 1970. She enrolled in St. Boniface Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in January of 1971. While in Winnipeg, they had two children – Wendy and Ryan.
Hazel worked as a nurse in Winnipeg, MB; Kyle, SK; and Swift Current, SK where she was known as a dedicated, competent, and compassionate nurse for 30 years. In her final years of nursing, she worked as head nurse on the maternity ward in Swift Current.
After retiring, Hazel and Ray moved to Abbotsford, BC to be closer to their beloved granddaughters. They enjoyed travelling, visiting family, bragging about their children, the outdoors, and watching their granddaughters at various sports and school events.
Hazel excelled in sewing, cake decorating, quilting, knitting, cooking, baking, and card-making. Her artistry and creativity sprang forth in her detailed and complicated works that she lovingly bestowed on family and friends.
Hazel’s expansive medical knowledge, strength of character, and grace shone in a valiant struggle with breast cancer, which in the end, claimed her life.
Hazel is known for her grace, her care for vulnerable people, her easy laugh, her listening ear, her curious mind, and her competent hands. She is deeply missed by all whose lives were touched by her.
A celebration of life for Hazel will be held on August 16th, 2018 at 2:00pm at Seven Oaks Alliance Church, Abbotsford.
A second celebration of life will be held in Swift Current, Saskatchewan in September, details to be announced.
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