Hazel Leone Hiester

Hazel Leone Hiester, of DeWitt, was born on October 10, 1930, in Mackinaw City, MI, and passed away peacefully on October 9, 2023, at The Hospice House of Mid-Michigan in Lansing. Hazel was released from this life just one day before her 93rd birthday. She was blessed with many family members and friends who came to visit her as her time on Earth came to a close. She lived a truly remarkable life, rich with love and family.

Hazel was born at her family’s homestead on Sims Road in Cheboygan County, Michigan. She grew up at a time when her family did not yet have electricity or indoor plumbing. She walked three miles to school with her loyal dog, Teddy, by her side. As the only student her age in a one-room schoolhouse, she displayed remarkable intelligence and determination, completing both the 3rd and 4th grades in a single year. Her mother, Irene, also told the story of how she was known to shed a few tears upon the rare occasion when she wasn’t allowed to cross country ski the three miles to school from the homestead on a few exceptionally wicked winter days. Her tears were because she wanted to go to school and didn’t want to be stuck at home doing farm chores. Her great grandchildren chuckled over this many times. Mackinaw City lacked a high school, so she moved in with family in Cheboygan and found employment so that she could gain her high school diploma. She graduated and set her sights on college at the tender age of 15. Hazel attended Capital University in Columbus, Ohio for one year and then took a break from her education to marry her sweetheart, Jerry, and then to have her family. Hazel later went back to school to finish her teaching degree when her children were older. She earned a bachelors in education from Central Michigan University in 1966. She taught elementary school for most of her 9 years with Buena Vista Public Schools and ended her teaching career as a reading specialist who worked with middle school children who needed intensive reading help. Her love of education, particularly reading, would be something she shared with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Hazel was a gifted quilter and seamstress, creating works of art with her sewing machine. Her daughter, nieces, granddaughters and even great granddaughters all came up with more than a few “sewing projects” for her, and no matter what it took, Hazel always came through with a finished garment that was alike to that of a professional seamstress. Both Hazel and Wendell were very active members of their church, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Saginaw, MI, for many years. Hazel helped with Sunday school curriculum, church secretarial and bookkeeping duties, and she faithfully volunteered her talents at Vacation Bible School for many summers. However, her most remarkable quality was her unwavering presence for her family. She never missed a holiday or an invitation to spend time with her loved ones. Hazel filled the world with love and light with her infectious smiles and extraordinary wisdom.

Hazel married Jerome (Jerry) McPeak, on February 10, 1950, and shared 17 years with him until his death at age 39. They had two children together: Christine and Michael. Hazel married her second husband, Oliver Wendell Hiester, on August 1, 1969, and they shared 41 loving years until his death at age 90. She told many people that she was fortunate in this life to have loved two such wonderful men. She was the third of seven children, born to Hazen and Irene Schneider. She was also preceded in death by siblings Nellie (Jim) Demasi, Jean (William) Paquet, Arthur (Wilhelmina) Schneider and Ella (Joseph) Malice. Hazel is survived by two beloved siblings, Eileen (Tom) Kukla and Norman (Shirley) Schneider.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith and unwavering love. She shared unshakable relationships with her children: Michael (Keri) McPeak of DeWitt and Christine (George) Wizner of Laingsburg; four cherished grandchildren: Kelly Smith, Tracy (Todd) Randall, Mathew (partner Claire) McPeak, and Kathryn (Brian) Gandolfo; and six adored great-grandchildren: Alex Randall, Austin Randall, Ty Randall, Jacob Smith, Lillian Smith, and Cayde Gandolfo. Hazel's legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home in DeWitt next Tuesday, October 17, 2023 with Julie Schneider-Thomas and Bryan Thomas officiating. A reception for family and friends will be held immediately after the service at Gorsline Runciman. Memorial funds may be donated to Samaritas (formerly Lutheran Social Services of Lansing), 1545 Keystone, Lansing, MI 48911 or the Greater Lansing Food Bank, PO Box 16224, Lansing, MI 48901. A heartfelt thank you goes out from Hazel’s family to the Sparrow Hospice House of Mid-Michigan for the exceptional care she received there during her final days.

Grandmother

Author Unknown

God looked around his garden and found an empty space.

Then he looked down upon this earth And saw your tired face.

He put his arms around you

And lifted you to rest.

God's garden must be beautiful

He only takes the best.