Hazel Bertha Lewis

Hazel’s love of laughter and infectious smile will be missed by all. She was wife to her late husband Douglas Lewis; dear Mother to David (Colleen) Lewis, Deborah (Peter) Lewis, Doug (Lorraine) Lewis, Mark (Jackie) Finston, Jeffrey Finston, Terrie (Richard) Finston; dear Grandmother to Sarena, Henry, and Alex; loving Aunt to David Bryan and Rachel; Special friend to Lorrie and Robert Albitz, Florence Carson, Mary Curry, care giver Valerie DeNike and many neighbors and fellow church members.

Hazel was born at home to Bertha and Oliver Simonds on May 21, 1935, in Warren, Michigan. She graduated High School in Warren and married Stanley Roger Finston on her 19th birthday in 1954. Mark, Jeffrey, and Terrie were born. Stanley died unexpectedly in January 1964, and Hazel continued to raise her three children on her own. She loved volunteering as a scout leader for her children, and through that work, she met Douglas Lewis. On November 12, 1966, Hazel married Doug, and so began her lifelong love of unifying and raising her blended family. After retirement, Hazel and Doug spent summers cruising the Great Lakes on their sailboat. She was so very thrilled to have everyone together to share in hers and Doug’s milestone birthdays in 2015. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2016.

Hazel was selfless, and was happiest using her time to help, nurture and support others. Hazel shared her talents in the community serving as chairman and treasurer with interchurch women of Rochester, first as a representative for the First Congregational Church, and later representing University Presbyterian Church. She also served on the Helping Hand Committee, and worked tirelessly at Clothes Closet and Pantry Shelf. She volunteered at the Baldwin Avenue Soup Kitchen and in the library at First Congregational Church. Her extraordinary organizational skills were highly valued, both as a mother of six and in her community service.

Hazel enjoyed reading and was a lifelong seamstress. She and others could often be seen sporting her colorful creations. Many military men and women slept on her handmade pillow cases. She loved to bicycle in the summer and ski in the winter and spent winter evenings cheering on her beloved Red Wings.

Hazel was practical, organized, and above all lived her life with cheerfulness and laughter. Her sunny outlook was epitomized by her favorite color yellow. Hazel’s joyful smile, accepting love, and steady faith will shine in our hearts and in Heaven forever.

The family will welcome friends for a memorial gathering on Saturday October 28th, 2017 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at University Presbyterian Church, 1385 S. Adams Rd in Rochester Hills.

Memorial contributions may be made in Hazel's honor to the University Presbyterian Church or the Food Pantry at Neighborhood House.