September 01, 1921 -December 30, 2015
Hazel passed away peacefully having suffered for many years from the cruel affects of Alzheimer’s disease. She was predeceased by her mother Sarah, step-mother Isabella, father Donald W. Gilbert, brother Alasdair and husband David W. Gray. Hazel was born in Vancouver and raised in nearby Burnaby. Contrary to her father’s wishes, Hazel joined the Canadian Navy and served as a WREN, conducting clerical duties during World War II. With Veteran benefits, she went to Normal School and became a teacher. She was teaching school in Whitehorse, YT when she met David (RCAF), and they were married in 1952. Hazel soon began a family and a lifetime dedication to homemaking filled with love and support for her children and grandchildren. She is survived by sons Tom (Sherry), Steve (Margaret), Michael (Elaine), Ian (Natalie), daughter Caroline (Andrew), nineteen grandchildren and two great grand children.
Hazel began her early married life with brief stops in Edmonton, Summerside and, when David left the RCAF, to Vancouver. As did many young couples of the day, they decided then to move to Prince George (1954). David became a Game Warden and the family moved to Creston (1964) settling in Erickson where Hazel declared it, “a good place to raise a family.” Hazel and children became part of the Covenant Church because originally it was within walking distance of home. Hazel had strong Christian beliefs and she lived her life with faith and the ethics of honesty and integrity. Hazel kept busy with church activities, loved her flower garden and orchard. In 1986, Hazel and David moved to Vancouver to be closer to family and medical facilities. Unfortunately, David died suddenly in November of 1989, leaving Hazel widowed for the remainder of her life. Hazel lived in New Westminster spending her time volunteering, often with the Salvation Army thrift stores.
Early in 2005, Hazel moved to the Comox Valley to be closer to family. Hazel eventually required residential care and moved into the Comox Valley Seniors Village where she received wonderful loving care. Family would like to thank all those frontline staff at CVSV for looking after Hazel and to Doctor Edward Howard for his care and attention.
No flowers by request. A tea to celebrate Hazel’s life will be held Sunday, January 17th 2016 at 2:00pm, 2350 Anderton Road, Comox, B.C. (250-890-0438). A family graveside service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver at a later date.