Karlene A Hazel

Karlene was born on March 3, 1953, in Kingston, Jamaica, to the late Karl Irvine and Clorette Irvine. She moved to the United States in April 1972 and made her home in Stamford. She married Ripton Hazel Jr. in December 1973.

Karlene began her career with Emery Air Freight before dedicating many years to working in doctors’ offices in Brookfield and Orange. She brought warmth and care to those she worked with and served.

She was a woman of many interests and simple joys. Karlene enjoyed a variety of crafts over the years, including pottery, sewing, and gardening. She was an avid reader, often with her nose buried in a book—a love she proudly passed on to her daughter. She enjoyed taking drives with the windows down, singing along to Natalie Cole and Motown, and was always eager to try new foods and experiences.

Karlene also had strong opinions about life: she firmly believed that dark chocolate is superior, that pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream make a perfectly acceptable breakfast, and that there can never be enough varieties of tea.

Above all, she will be remembered for her faith—both in her spirituality and in the people she chose to surround herself with. Her kindness, warmth, and wit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Karlene is survived by her former husband, Ripton Hazel Jr.; her daughter, Diana Hazel (Matt); her sister, Helen Irvine; her mother, Clorette Irvine; and her grandson, Gabe Wolk. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 10:00–11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer Street, Stamford, Connecticut. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location, with interment immediately afterward.