— from Kathleen Lunde —
Hazel June Andrews O’Brien died peacefully on September 2, at her home on Orcas Island with a book in her lap and her dog Bellis by her side.
Hazel was born June 23, 1934 in the village of Motspur Park, Sussex, England, the youngest of 3 sisters, daughters of Albert and Ada Andrews. She is survived by sister Beryl Morley, nieces Phillipa Hewett, Helen Hill and great niece Alexandra Hewett. She was preceded in death by her husband Tom in 2005 and sister Joyce Pope in 2013.
Hazel was a remarkable plantswoman who readily shared her knowledge, enthusiasm, and plants with others. She was also a bread baker who studied her art carefully and delighted her friends with gifts of bread and muffins full of nourishing grains, and, of course, a cup of tea. Hazel was an excellent knitter and had lately been making beautiful, warm cowels to give to her friends.
Although Hazel has many friends on the island and was loved and admired by many people, she specifically asked that there be no memorial service. Donations in Hazel’s name can be made to the Orcas Island APS, the Orcas Public Library and to the Orcas Family Health Center.
Hazel and her beautiful smile will be greatly missed.
There is not a day in my life when I will not miss you. Good bye, dear friend.
There is not a day in my life when I will not miss you.
Good bye, dear friend…
She will be missed!!!
Hazel was one of those very special people that you loved the visits and chats you had. Had the pleasure of riding our stationary bikes next to each other for the last three months. I will miss that friendly smile and warm heart. Thankful I gave her a hug after each time we saw one another. Forever hugs Hazel.
What a wonderful, generous person. We always looked forward to Hazel’s weekly volunteering visit to the Library.
Hazel will always remain in my heart as a gracious & lovely character. Her creativity, her appreciation of beauty, the classical music playing in her kitchen, her love of reading, her passion for making bread, her generosity. She taught me that I don’t have to moan and groan about my aches and pain. Thank you Hazel for enriching my life.
I first met Hazel and Tom in 1991 on a visit to Orcas Island, and returned with my wife, Lisa, and my sister, Margaret, in 2009, on our way to an Alaskan Cruise. The highlight of that trip was the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada, which we visited on Hazel’s advice. Her knowledge of plants was encyclopedic. She spoke her mind and listened to what others had to say, which made conversation with her a pleasure. About Hazel, my sister said it best – she was the kind of person that people ought to be.
Oh dear Hazel, how we will miss you. What a mentor in so many ways!
Hazel will always be with me too. A part of my garden I call “Hazel Hill” is filled with cuttings she shared from her garden. I think of her every time I look at it, as she was so dear to me.