Hazel Blanche Watson

To many of you she was known as Aunty Tiny, Gloria, Mrs. Brown, Mama G, Mother Watson or Hurricane Hazel, as I liked to call her. No matter what she was called, you could not mistake this interesting, funny, remarkable and audacious woman for anybody else.

Hazel was born in Frankfield, Clarendon, Jamaica, West Indies. She was the daughter of Wilfred Denton, and Mabel Simms. Hazel had not known her birth mother. Hazel’s mother had died when she was young. She was adopted and raised by my beloved grandmother Mrs. Rhoda Brown, which she loved and cherished as the only mother she had ever known. Hazel had four siblings; their names were Iceline Edward, Calvin Denton, Rupert Denton and Delores Denton. These siblings had a strong bond like no other children.

Hazel had always loved to travel. In the early 70’s, Hazel had immigrated to Canada. As she began her life, she had always dreamed to become a nurse and an entrepreneur. Education for Hazel was very important to her. She had always wanted to provide a better life for her and her family. Hazel was a tough, resilient, and tenacious hard worker. She strived at any opportunity given to her to learn and grow. She was an exceptional cook and dabbled in real estate to quench her entrepreneurial spirit.

In 1975, Hazel and Linval met. Linval promised to help her move to her new apartment. He not only helped her move but was moved by her and they fell in love. He promised to love, cherish and stand by her. In 1976, they married in a small ceremony in Toronto, Ontario. As they blended their families together, they had eight children in total. They made a wonderful life together. They tried to provide a life where their children had every opportunity to thrive.

In 1984, her mother Mrs. Rhoda Brown immigrated to Canada. Hazel was a caring person to family, friends and even strangers she would meet. Seeing the struggles that her own mother had with her health prompted my mother to get into the healthcare field. Taking the opportunity given to her by St John’s Ambulance and the many courses she took, Hazel was able to study and acquire her healthcare aide certificate. She was able to touch many lives in her 20 years of service working in the healthcare field.

Hazel had always given herself to the Lord. Her relentless faith in God was a major foundation in her life. In 1994, the Masters Church of God in Toronto, Ontario baptized Hazel. Hazel wore her faith like a badge of honor. Everywhere she would go she would share a message from the bible. Everyone she would meet she would take the time pray for and give an encouraging word or two. With her unique and audacious spirit, Hazel will be truly missed.

Hazel is survived by her loving husband Mr. Linval Watson her seven remaining children. Keith Gray, Faith Douglas, Annette Douglas, Sherrine Watson, Christine Watson, Verona Watson and Dowie Watson. Also her fourteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Hazel will be held Friday, June 9, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes, 6191 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M2M 4K4. A funeral service will occur Saturday, June 10, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes. Reception will follow the service and all are invited to her committal service at Beechwood Cemetery after luncheon.