Hazel Evelyn MacLean

With deep love and profound respect, we honour the legendary life of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Hazel MacLean, who passed away in the arms of her children on June 23rd, 2025, at the age of 98. Besides being our matriarch (her favorite role), she was a daughter, a sister, an auntie, a loyal friend, a community champion, the Roadrunner, Sergeant Major, Red Hatter, camper, fisher, baker extraordinaire, Beacon House volunteer, proud UCW, Historical Society & Friendly Group President/member, and staunch Conservative. She was born in Upham NB on April 22nd,1927, one of Nelly and John (Jack) Lockhart’s nine children. She was Mom to us and Nanny Hazel to her 15 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and a multitude of folks young and not so young!

She was the heart of our family and the soul of her community and church- a woman whose strength, resilience and stamina were matched by her grace and humility. Her wisdom guided generations, her laughter filled every room, and her love, oh her love! …it was a quiet steadfast force that shaped our lives.

A natural leader she devoted herself to the betterment of others. Whether through volunteer work, sincere acts of kindness or rallying her friends for a cause she believed in, she made lasting changes. Her legacy is not of things, it is etched on our hearts, on the countless lives she touched, the traditions she passed on and the community she loved. She received numerous awards including the CBC Elf Award and the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal.

She believed in the power of family, the importance of faith, and the beauty of everyday joys – teaching her children and grandchildren how to cook, sharing stories over a cup of tea, staying up late around the campfire, long bus trips in the seat right behind the driver, and showing up for others without needing any recognition. She lived her life with open arms and an open heart. Her table always had room for one more! In her humble way she built bridges, nurtured dreams and anchored generations. When any of us were facing a difficult challenge, she would say “It could always be worse“ .

She was predeceased by her husband Dave, her sons Terry and Gordie, her great granddaughter Madison Rae, her parents Nelly & Jack Lockhart, her sisters Opal and Irene, brothers Albert, Eric and Cecil, and many dear friends .

She is survived by Lorraine (Don) Burch-Jason & Angela Burch-Stella, Elijah; Andrew & Jen Burch- Ethan, Hazel; Jessica & Brad Burch/Webster-Adrian, Aliyah, Wynter ;Heather (Mike) Lees/MacLean – Shane & Tanja MacLean- Hanna, Ben; Mike & Brooke MacLean-Madison, Jesse, Lily, Noah; Donna & Evan Moxom- Gordon ; Paul (Wendy) MacLean - Jill & Chris Webb- Hope, Ryley, Blayre; Ryan & Melissa MacLean- River; Joshua David Eye- Ella, Presley, Eddy-Mae ; Scott (Terri-Lee) MacLean- Sarah & Darryl Russell-Zack; Leah MacLean & Brandon Roach ;Brad MacLean ;Ondra ( Phil ) MacLean /Theriault-Jeremy & Sarah MacPherson-James, Colin ;Anthony MacPherson ; Meagan MacPherson & Sasha Brideau ; sisters- Helen & Alice, brother Walter; numerous nieces & nephews and dear friends.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of A.L.Mattatall Funeral Home

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. John's United Church 3360 Highway 2 Fall River at 1pm on Monday July 21st. Reception to follow in church hall. Internment at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Sherbrooke Lake United Church Camp, a place adored by her and her family. Address: 420 Church Camp Rd New Ross NS B0J 2M0 [email protected]; website https://www.sherbrookelakecamp.org. Contributions in her memory will help continue her legacy of nurturing community, faith and the next generation.

Mom`s spirit will live on in every family gathering, every lesson she taught us, and every act of love and kindness we pass on. We promise to carry her light forward!

“Oh, my soul, God bless you all!” - Mom/Nanny Hazel