93, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, March 6, 2018. She was born in Cedarburg, WI, but lived in Tampa most of the last 50 years. She is preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Clark; parents, Alvin and Hedwig Backus; brother, Karl Backus; and her beloved son-in-law, Joseph Stagi. Hazel is survived by her daughters, Mary Jane Stagi, Beverly (Harold) Pittman of Baton Rouge, LA, and Stephany Austell of Greenville, SC; grandchildren, John (Brigett) Pittman of Baton Rouge, LA, LeeAnne (Chris) Knight of Kenner, LA, Matthew (Valerie) Austell of Mount Pleasant, SC, and Brian Austell of Greenville, SC; and 4 great grandchildren.
Hazel was a member of Good Shepard Lutheran Church, Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club and the University Club. She loved golf and was well known for all of her trips to the Masters Golf Tournaments where she always wore her famous hat with badges, dating back to the 1960s. Her daughters are forever grateful for her values, kindness and unconditional love. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the charity of your choice or to Hospice of Tampa in Hazel’s name.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 9 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 906 S Orleans Ave., at 1pm. Hazel will be laid to rest following the funeral service at Myrtle Hill Cemetery.