Hazel Elsie Mabel Stoyko

On July 3rd, 2026, Hazel passed away peacefully at the age of 87.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Ethel Buchanan, and her younger brother, Ian. Hazel leaves behind her beloved husband of 57 years, Lawrence; her children, Peter, David (Judy), and Catherine (Stephen); her cherished grandchildren, Alexandra, Henry, and Mackenzie; as well as many nieces and nephews, all of whom brought her great joy.

Hazel was born at home in the town of Kenton, Manitoba. In WW2 her father served overseas as an officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force and she often spoke of the challenges of those wartime years, moving from one teacherage to another throughout rural Manitoba with her mother. Both of her parents were educators, and Hazel developed a remarkable love of learning from an early age and skipped several grades at school. It was also during her school years that she met her lifelong best friend, Iris, whose friendship remained a treasured constant throughout her life.

Lawrence was the love of Hazel's life. After their very first date she told her mother she was going to marry him, and by their third date they were engaged—despite not yet having met each other's families. They were married in 1969 and soon welcomed their sons Peter and David. Wanting to grow their family, they sold the home they had built in Westwood and moved to Charleswood in 1976. Their family was completed with the arrival of their daughter, Catherine, a few years later.

Hazel enjoyed a successful career in accounting, but she always said that having children was her greatest accomplishment. She created a warm and welcoming home, spending countless hours in the kitchen baking and cooking delicious meals from scratch. She loved fishing with her family and was especially proud of the Master Angler northern pike she caught on Dorothy Lake—a story she never tired of sharing. Hazel was also an avid bridge player who treasured the many friendships she made around the card table over the years.

In retirement, Hazel embraced her many passions. She golfed whenever she could, cherished summers at the family cottage on Otter Lake, and spent many happy hours sewing and quilting beautiful creations for family and friends.

In her later years, Hazel faced her health challenges with remarkable strength, grace, and dignity. The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the many physicians, nurses, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who cared for her over the years, with special appreciation to the compassionate staff at Holy Family Care Home for their kindness and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Hazel's memory may be made to Parkinson Canada or MS Canada.