Hazel Marceil Lake

January 11, 1926 - March 15, 2026

On March 15, 2026, the angels came and took Hazel to Heaven at the age of 100 years old. She dies March 16, 2026, at 6:49 in the morning after a short illness. Hazel lived at her current new home in Chelsea, Michigan for 6 ½ months with her daughter, Sandra. Previously, Hazel lived in Saline, Michigan with her daughter for 8 happy, wonderful years. She peacefully went to Heaven to be with her husband Stuart E. Lake (who passed in 2016) having 65 years of devoted marriage together. And, to be with her infant daughter, Cynthia Ann (who passed in 1954).

Hazel will be remembered and cherished by her beloved family: Sandra S. Lake of Chelsea, Michigan, Michael S. Lake of Jackson, Deborah L. (Dale) Lake of Spring Arbor, and Pamela A. (Fred) Stein of Chelsea; grandchildren Michael D. Lake, Michelle L. Lake, Rachel L. Jackson, Ashley R. (Dylan) Copp, and Hailey B. Stein; and great grandchildren Collin G. Nelkie, Tyler M. Jackson, Jillian N. Jackson, Rory H. Copp, and Harris R. Copp. She also loved and adored her daughter's two cats, Jane and River. Hazel was the kitties "second mama".

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents William and Maude Sheppard Holmes; her brothers John and Oliver Holmes; and sisters Helen Shepherd, Elizabeth Mix, and Isabell Shnider.

Helen was born in Montgomery County, Tennessee on January 11, 1926. She moved with her family to Jackson, Michigan in 1940. She was a graduate of Parma High School in 1946 and then graduated from Jackson Beauty College in 1948. She loved being a beautician and doing clients' hair. Hazel worked at many beauty salons around Jackson, Lansing, and Grand Rapids from 1948 to 1951.

She married the love of her life, Stuart E. Lake, on January 4, 1952. They lived in Jackson, Michigan while raising their four beautiful children. Hazel, as the wife and mother, was the heart and soul of her family. Hazel and Stuart owned and operated Lakes Adult Foster Care Home for 20 years from 1968 - 1988. After retiring in 1988, she and her husband Stuart, moved to their Horton, Michigan home where they lived for 31 years after retirement. They both enjoyed fun, relaxing years traveling and being with their family. Hazel loved traveling to Las Vegas and Atlantic City with her husband and her daughter Sandra. She enjoyed going to the casino to gamble on video poker slots, and also going to the horse harness races in Northville Downs, Toledo raceway park, and Jackson Fair Grounds. Hazel also loved having her family over for Sunday dinners. She was noted for her delicious country house fudge recipe and other candy treats. She loved hosting the Holidays over the years with all her family.

Hazel would like to thank her wonderful family for all the love and compassionate care that they gave her, especially in her later years. Stuart and Hazel always loved their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Funeral services are being taken care of by Burden-Patience-Montgomery Funeral Home, 1806 East Michigan Avenue, Jackson, Michigan 49202. A graveside service will be held to lay her to rest at 10:00 AM on March 19, 2026, at Norvell Township Cemetery, 12810 Austin Road, Brooklyn, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, Hazel requests that contributions of her remembrance be made to animal welfare charities.

Hazel will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and the love she shared with everyone who knew her. She had a warm heart, a generous spirit, always offering a smile, encouraging words, or a helping hand. She had a life of 100 years well lived. She would always say "there is nothing more precious than life and family."

In remembering our sweet, precious Hazel Marcell Lake (as a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend) you are honoring her life. In telling her stories and sharing happy memories, you celebrate her. In caring about the people and things she loved, you help her spirit live on. Her love for all her family was immense, and she will be deeply missed. She meant so much to all of us, and we will miss her dearly. She will forever be remembered by all who loved her. We will carry her in our hearts until we see her again.