Hazel Jean Smith

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Hazel Jean Smith, age 95, at Fairview Mennonite Home, Cambridge on Monday April 24, 2017. Hazel was a wonderful wife, mom, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. Because of her huge heart, she always put everyone before herself.

Born June 27th 1921, Hazel (nee Howard) grew up on a farm in the Hagersville area. In 1940 she became an elementary school teacher, first in Haldimand County where she started her career in a one room school house. After three years, Hazel moved on to Preston Public school and then later Dickson, Central, Lincoln and Stewart Ave Schools. She continued her teaching experience as a music consultant for the Waterloo County Board of Education and finished as a remedial teacher at Coronation Public School, retiring in 1981. Hazel loved working with children and making a difference in their lives.

Hazel was a sweet, fun-loving, kind and patient soul. She loved music, the theatre, travelling, vacationing at the cottage in Port Elgin and spending time with family and friends. She always saw the best in everyone and had a positive attitude about everything.

Hazel was an active member of St. Paul’s United Church, Cambridge (now Trillium United). She sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and was active on many committees, including the UCW, often taking a leadership role. Her participation in the church was a demonstration of her strong faith.

Hazel is survived by daughters, Janice Little (Peter) of Branchton, Ontario and Jane Ann Smith (Robert Lilly) of Cambridge; nanny to Krista (Thom Murray), Matthew and Cory and great grandmother to Owen; predeceased by her loving husband of forty-two years, Kenneth, and sisters, Helen LaFortune, Marjorie McKeen and Laura Heaslip.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Hazel’s life will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 11:00am at Trillium United Church , 450 King St. E, Cambridge, Ontario followed by interment at Parklawn Cemetery, 750 Fountain St. N, Cambridge at 2:30 pm. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend the celebration and interment.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Trillium United Church or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

The family, although sad, takes solace in knowing there will be no more confusion or suffering and she will now be at peace. Our love goes with her. We were all so blessed to have had her in our lives for so long. Mom’s caring heart will live on in each of us. The world may be a lonelier place for us today, but we are better people because of her. She will be missed!