Hazel E. Hendler

She was preceded in death by her son, David B. Hendler

and is survived by her son, Donald B. Hendler; daughter Barbara E.

(Hendler) Lathrop and her husband, Nicholas; grandson David H. Hendler; two great-grandchildren, David Hendler and Lexus Hendler; three greatgreat grandchildren and ten nephews and nieces. The family is especially grateful to Ruth Swickline and Kelly Schneiderlochner for the love, care and meaningful roles they played in our lives.

Hazel, affectionately known as Ellie, loved life and lived it with gusto. As a Young woman, she joined and supported the Pittsburgh Savoyards. She enjoyed nature and singing and making things with her hands, especially sewing, knitting, needlepoint and counted cross stitch, and she was an

enthusiastic member of the Butler Machine Knitters.

She retired from Mercy Hospital where she first supported the assistant administrator and

later managed the medical staff office before taking on the role of

supporting the executive in charge of facility expansion projects.

She also served her church for over fifty years in various capacities including choir director, organist, and preparation of the Sunday church bulletins. Ellie and her late companion enjoyed traveling and camping and managed to visit all

fifty states. She learned to ski in her fifties, was a member of the 70+ Skiers Club and continued to ski until she had both knees replaced. She took flying lessons in her eighties and was quite capable performing preflight checks, taking off, navigating by sight, managing all radio communications and landing the plane. She was a very social person and made friends wherever she went; she loved her family with all her heart, and she will be sorely missed.