Anne Leroux Hazlett

Our precious mother and grandmother, Anne Leroux Hazlett, passed away at the age of 83 on March 14, 2023, after a prolonged illness, which she fought with dignity and grace.

Anne was born in Cleveland Heights, Ohio on December 10, 1939, to Clayton Leroux and Margarite Powers, who were married at the chapel on the Notre Dame college campus. Her father Clayton was the first man of the year at Notre Dame and she often talked about his playing the Notre Dame fight song on their family organ at home.  It was then that she became and remained a devoted Notre Dame fan for her entire life.

Anne graduated from Marymount College in Tarrytown, New York, and moved out to San Diego, California, in 1962, so that she could pursue her passion and begin her lifelong career as an elementary educator and leader. It was there that she met John Richard Hazlett (“Dick”), who was an active navy serviceman, and they were married 6 months later. He was her “one and only” and they were married for 42 years until his death in 2005.

Anne was the heart of her family, and together, she and Dick raised two children, Shelly (now 60) and Jim (59). She raised her children with love and devotion in the Santa Clarita Valley with her beloved husband.

Anne and Dick moved out to the Santa Clarita Valley in 1965, where she worked as a first grade teacher so she could be around children forever.

She was promoted to principal at Meadows Elementary school, which became a California Distinguished School under her leadership. She obtained her Masters in Education at CSUN and went on to graduate with two Doctoral degrees from the University of Southern California.  She was then recruited by Dr. J. Michael McGrath, and was hired as the Assistant Superintendent of Newhall School District and headed both departments of Personnel and Instruction, where she worked for over 20 years. As a member of Mensa and recipient of many honors, awards and accolades, Anne devoted her life to elementary education, which to this day, has positively impacted countless others.

Anne’s colleagues remember her as a driven and talented leader and as a devoted advocate for children. She was also a proud member of the “ Dragon Ladies,” the others, all principals in the Newhall School District.

Anne is survived by her brother, Tony, and her sister, Marie. She was proceeded in death by her husband and soulmate, Dick. Anne also leaves behind her devoted daughter and best friend Shell, and her beloved son, Jim, and daughter-in-law, Kara.  Anne was also a dearly loved grandma and deeply loved her 2 grandsons, Nate and Chris, who were the apples of her eye.

Anne was known for her dignity, elegance, and grace. She had a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, and was always the first to laugh at herself with complete abandon.  She loved God and shared her life with her close friends from childhood, Carol Davis and Cathy Patton, as well as her local sisters here in the Santa Clarita Valley, whom she deeply loved.

A life well-lived is a powerful work of art, beautifully and masterfully created and remembered by all.  Anne is greatly missed and left this world infinitely better.

“You are gone, but I will spend the rest of my life remembering you.”