Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Hazell
Mary Elizabeth Hazell (nee Gibbs) passed away peacefully in St. Catharines, Ontario, on February 11th, 2022, at the age of 89. Loving wife of John, always known as Jack, and cherished mother to Evan (Jackie), Dee (Peter), Anne (Harry), Rebecca (Sandy), and Margaret (Tim). Proud grandmother of Jessica, Kyra, Mary, Christopher, Jack, and Evan. Mary was predeceased by parents James and Catherine Gibbs, and sister Dorothy Iddings. Mary was born on January 29th, 1933, in Los Angeles, California and grew up in the nearby city of Gabriel. During her youth, Mary travelled often to the family cottage at Honey Harbor, Ontario, as well as Toronto, to visit her aunt, uncle, and cousins. Throughout her life, she always spoke of those family visits with great fondness. Mary enrolled in Nursing at Queen’s University in Kingston, and met the love of her life, Jack. Upon graduation, they moved to Leeds, England, and married. Jack completed his PhD in chemistry while Mary worked as a nurse, and they began their family. In the years ahead, Jack’s career took them to Montreal and Toronto. Mary kept very busy with the arrival of their five children. Throughout those years, the family enjoyed wonderful summer holidays at the Glenbrook Farm on Lake Memphremagog, Quebec, and visiting the family farm in Picton, Ontario. As the children left home, Mary and Jack developed a love for sailing, exploring the beauty of Lake Ontario. They also travelled extensively throughout North America, as Jack’s business responsibilities grew. Mary indulged her lifelong love of the English language, through her many happy years working at the Anglican Book Centre in Toronto and publishing short works of fiction. In 2001, Mary and Jack retired to beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake. Mary became an accomplished and widely recognized quilter, as well as being very active at St. Mark’s Anglican Church. They also travelled the world, taking two or three extensive trips a year. When those worldly adventures came to an end just a short time ago, their bucket list was empty. Mary was a wonderful, loving person who gave her all to her family. She was always there for us, encouraging us through the tough times and celebrating the good ones. Her family misses her profoundly. May her soul be at eternal peace and rise in glory. The family wishes to thank the extraordinary team at The Royal Henley in St. Catharines, who provided such a supportive and positive environment for her final days, with a special thanks to both Dr. Jayawardene (Dr. J) and their Personal Support Worker, Anna. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a later date. If desired, donations in memory of Mary would be much appreciated to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.
