Hazel L Cowell

She was born on February 19, 1921 in Peoria, IL, the daughter of Cary and Charlotte (Chaney) Robards. Her father Cary Robards, Sr., was well known in the Peoria area for his music, bands and radio show. As a result Hazel loved music and enjoyed watching her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in school programs. She enjoyed cooking, baking and spending time with her family and friends. She was referred to as the “Cookie Lady “ for the Thursday night Bowling league. She attended East Peoria High School and graduated from Decatur High School. On any given Saturday night, Hazel could be found at the Peoria Speedway watching the races.

She married Jason Garland Cowell on June 14, 1944, who died on April 19, 1969. She worked for the Fondulac Township, Caterpillar, Miles Group Home, and during the war, the United States Department of the Treasury. Hazel was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Peoria where she was also a secretary, custodian, and Sunday school coordinator.

She is survived by her three children; Robert (Josephine) Cowell, Sr., Jon (Mary) Cowell both of East Peoria, Carol (Dennis) Navarro of Oswego, IL; her grandchildren; Robert Cowell, Jr. “RC”, Bobbie Jo (Don) Sweet, Melody Lockwood, Cindy, Stacey, and Krysta Navarro, Jonathon (Crystal) Cowell, Jackie (Scott) Farris, and Brittney (Andrew) Smith; and her great-grandchildren; Malek, Sierra, Kyana, Ramon, Baylee, Alivia, Madison and great-great grandson Gabriel.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jason; 4 children, Charlotte, William, Richard, Cheryl; 2 sisters, Betty, Mary; 4 brothers, Howard, Eugene, Cary Jr., Billy; and her parents Cary and Charlotte Robards.

Services will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 1:30pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Peoria. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 from 5pm to 7pm at Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. Burial will be at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria. Online condolences may be made through www.remmertfuneralhome.com