Born on January 6, 1934, in New York City, she moved to New Fairfield as a toddler, growing up near the lake and enjoying both swimming and skating. Hazel was the beloved wife of William Burger. She is survived by her children William Jr, Deborah, and Gail as well as her grandchildren Joshua and Kathryn and her great grandson Devine.
Hazel enjoyed being home with her children as they grew up and later worked in the schools as a para-educator. She retired to take care of her mother-in-law and her granddaughter Kara. Hazel was actively involved in the community throughout her life. She was a member of the Squantz Engine Company Ladies Auxiliary helping to support the firehouse and answering the emergency phone to dispatch ambulance and fire crews. She was also instrumental in founding the Sparklers Fife, Drum and Bugle Corps, chaperoning rehearsals and parades and sewing hundreds of uniforms. In more recent years Hazel attended chair yoga and could usually be found with her friends having coffee at the bakery.
Hazel's strong faith could be seen throughout her life, and she used her gifts for the ministry of the church in many ways. Over the years, she was actively involved in running the church’s Sunday School and Jr. Choir and participated in the Service Club as well as other boards and teams. She consistently baked for various functions, helped prepare the sanctuary for services, and knit hats for Dorothy Day Hospitality House.
Hazel loved baking cookies. She enjoyed knitting hats and mittens for her grandchildren and those of her friends. She also enjoyed feeding and watching the birds and squirrels as well as an occasional visiting bear. Her cats were also both a joy and a comfort to her.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Hazel's memory to the Congregational Church of New Fairfield, the Regional Hospice Center in Danbury CT, or a charity of your choice.
A wake will be held on October 2, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Congregational Church of New Fairfield, 20 Gillotti Rd., New Fairfield, CT.
A Funeral Service will be held on October 3, 2026, at 1:30 PM at the Congregational Church of New Fairfield, 20 Gillotti Rd., New Fairfield, CT 06812.
