March 8, 1945 – August 13, 2021
at the age of 76 years
~ Heaven Gained a Beautiful Angel ~
It is with Heavy Hearts we announce the passing of our Beloved Mother, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Grammy, Great-Grandma and Cherished Friend. Mom passed away peacefully on the morning of August 13th, 2021 at the age of 76 at the Shuswap Lake General Hospital in Salmon Arm, BC. Mom had Metastatic Breast Cancer, along with complications of “Inclusion Body Myositis” a very rare Degenerative Muscle Disease. In the end, she also caught the Pneumonia.
Mom is survived by a Large Blended Family who will miss her terribly – Paddy (her Loving and Faithful Companion), her Children – Valerie (Glenn); Sherlyn (Davey); Lori (Steve); Patrick (Darla); and Tammy (Al); Her Brothers John, and Gord (Carol); Grandchildren – Jason (Ida), Angela (Andrew), Brandon (Emma), Miranda (Zack), Manesha, Kayden, Josh, Shelly, Leanne, Michael, Melissa, Tara and Rick; her Great-Grandchildren; Cousins and Friends. She is predeceased by her Husband Chuck of 31 years; her Brother Albert; Step-Daughter Brenda; Stepson Rob; Her parents Arnold and Betty Torgunrud; by her Grandparents Eric and Ruth Carlson; and by her cherished dog Rufus, whom she dearly missed!
Hazel was born on March 8th, 1945 in New Westminster BC but grew up in Burnaby, BC where she attended Burnaby South High School. This is one of the places where she made life-long friends. Mom and Claire Allan shared a special friendship and go way-back together as children. Mom spoke highly of Claire and was always so happy to see or talk to her. In Mom’s early working years, she worked at the Kamloops Spa and Fitness Club in Downtown Kamloops. This is where she formed many life friendships. In their earlier years, Mom and Chuck belonged to the Kamloops Anavets Club where she also volunteered and they loved to Bowl. When the Fitness Centre closed down, Mom wanted to go back to school and so she attended Cariboo College in Kamloops (now TRU) and received her License to be a Care-Aide. She loved looking after people and was very caring and nurturing. You would always find Mom in her Craft Room spending countless hours making such beautiful Crafts from Cross-Stitching to Quilting to Crocheting…you name it, she did it!! It was exciting because you knew for your Birthday or Christmas you would get something special that was hand made. Her work was beautiful and she was incredibly talented. She also was a superb Baker and she gained the name of “The Cookie Maker”. Immediately following retirement, Mom and Chuck moved to Salmon Arm and finally to Sorrento, BC where they really enjoyed being close to the Lake. Recently Mamma welcomed two, brand new Great-Grandaughters, Kaliyah and Bowyn. These two beautiful babies completely lit up her world!
Endless gratitude to all of Mom’s Doctors (especially Dr. Main), and to all the Nurses who took great care of our Dear Mother. Thank you to Friends Len and Siv for their endless love, help and support; her dear friends Claire and Joyce; to Pastor Maier; her Favourite Care-Aide Katrina, her Nurse Marie, and to Joanne who always did the grocery run. A big thank you to our Sister Tammy for all her love and support, you are amazing! Also we would like to thank her Good Friend and Faithful Companion Paddy Arnoldus, who lived with her in Sorrento and assisted her greatly during her latter years. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being there for Mom and for being the wonderful and amazing person that you are. You are truly a Blessing and We Love you Paddy!
Thank you to everyone who has Called, Texted, E-mailed, sent cards, Flowers and Food and for all the Hugs and Prayers we’ve received during this difficult time. We apolgize in advance if we’ve missed thanking anyone, there’s just been so many amazing people in Mom’s Life.
A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, August 21st, 2021 at the St. Mary’s Church in Sorrento, BC with Pastor Maier officiating. A Tea Reception followed.
” Fly High Mamma Bear!”
We Love You and Will Miss You.
You are Finally Free.
My condolences to all the family, Hazel was a true momma bear and loved you all dearly. I will miss our conversations and the updated photos of the new arrivals. She always had a project on the go, with one of you on her mind. RIP my friend ❤️
So sorry for your loss. Although I never met Hazel, I heard Betty speak of her often during our visits long ago.
Peace to John, and all family and friends.
My sincere condolences to all.