Tribute to Aunt Hazel  (1911-2000)

Interment Ceremony

November 11, 2000

Dear, sweet, gentle Hazel.

I loved you.

There are many people here today who loved you.

And, others, too.

We’re all feeling pretty sad today that you’ve had to leave us but we’re feeling joyous, too, for having had you in our lives.

What a life to be around. 

I know we all have our memories of Aunt Hazel. I have a few of my own:

 Like molasses cookies.

Sunday dinners and picnics. 

Christmas morning … Christmas afternoon … Christmas evening.

The ever present twinkle in her eye.

The mischief making.

Her ready cheer and smiles, just like the nasturtiums and pansies in her garden.

The risqué jokes and the laughter that followed.

Her kind and gentle spirit. 

Her humble, honest, trusting nature. 

Her love of God and family. 

The memory that never quit. 

Her newsy letters. Oh, who will I trade snail mail with now? 

The unconditional love she gave to everyone whose path intersected her path. 

Did I mention kind and gentle? … 

Hers was a simple life but a life well lived and full of meaning.

She was a great gal, in every sense of that word, and the closet thing to perfection we humans can achieve. 

She’s in heaven now, at home among the saints and angels, hand in hand with her, and our, beloved Ralph.

 Dear sweet gentle Hazel. You were a lovely woman. You taught us well.

Now, rest in peace.