Hazel Geraldine Pifferini

Hazel Geraldine Pifferini, 99 years young, passed away on Wednesday, March 30, with family by her side. Daughter to Claudio and Mary Pifferini, she was born in Grizzly Bluff, Humboldt County; they moved to the Arcata Bottoms in 1912, and then to the family farm in 1919, where she lived most of her life.

She worked many jobs including a stint in San Francisco as a family caretaker, a butter wrapper at the United Creamery, a laundress at the Arcata Laundry, and she assisted many customers find that special gift at Hensel’s Hardware just off the Arcata Plaza. She cared for her mother, Mary (Grandma Piff), at their home until she passed away in 1988. Mary lived a long, happy and healthy life because of Hazel’s love, care and devotion.

Hazel was always active; she sewed, mended clothing, crocheted, knitted, made crafts, gardened, cooked on the woodstove, baked cakes and cookies in the wood heated oven and happily gave haircuts to anyone.

She was a life-long member of St. Mary’s Church, long- time member of the Altar Society and the Italian Catholic Federation as well as the Arcata Bottom Buzz and Stitch Club, comprised of family, neighbors and friends. For those who knew her, even in her advanced years, she was so much more than her clubs and activities; she was one of those people who enriched you by just knowing her.

Being the older sister, Hazel was attentive and nurturing to her little sister, Esther, after their father’s death. In their later years, tables were turned when it was necessary for Hazel to move in with Esther. For the next ten years they visited friends, attended church and church events, ran errands, baked and socialized together. They were good for each other and truly had a special bond.

Hazel spent her last 3 years at Especially You, an assisted living facility. Many friends and family continued to visit her there, and although she did not always remember their visits she enjoyed their company in the moment. Her family appreciates and thanks all who continued to visit Hazel these last 3 years and those who kept her in their thoughts and prayers.

Hazel was the last of Mary and Claudio’s descendants. She was preceded in death by Mary and Claudio, Atillio (Piff), John (Shirley, still living), Lillie and Oran Mavey and Esther and Marino Giuntoli.

She leaves nieces and nephews: Charles, Mark (Linda) and Robert (Lisa) Pifferini, Joan (Bill) Kesner, Linda Damm (Wes), Don (Cindy) Mavey, Mary Mavey, Paul (Carla) Giuntoli and Barbara (Greg) Juell.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 with a rosary beginning at 7:00 PM at Paul’s Chapel in Arcata. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Arcata.

Services are under the care of Paul’s Chapel, 707-822-2445. Please visit our website at www.paulschapel.com to view an online memorial and to sign our guestbook.

Rest in peace, Aunt Hazel; you will be missed.