1926 – 2017

On March 26, 2017, heaven gained a beautiful soul when Hazel Jean Hoffman peacefully passed away. As Hazel’s health deteriorated, she would often say that she was not afraid but excited about her move “upstairs” where she would finally be able to get the answers to her many life-long questions. Hazel’s courage, faith, and positive attitude was enlightening and has helped to lessen the pain of her loss although she will always be deeply missed.
Hazel was 90 years young (although her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren will only know her as being 39) and those 90 years were filled with both wonderful and challenging times; but notwithstanding the challenges, Hazel always lived her life believing that every day was a gift with a purpose.
Hazel leaves behind her loving husband of almost 70 years, Bill, whose heart will never be the same. She also leaves behind three children Janice (Dennis), Angie, Kent, Jody and families, Laurie’s boys, Alan and Chris and families, Grant (Diane), Kari Lynn, Bryan and families and Arlene (David), Natalie, Braedon, and Spencer. Hazel also leaves behind her sister, Joan Palmer. Along with her family, there were so many others who will miss Hazel’s quiet presence, her tremendous ability to listen, and her wickedly dry sense of humour.
Hazel was predeceased by her daughter, Laurie Hoffman, and her son, Scott Hoffman. Despite the tragedy of their loss, and in true Hazel fashion, she spent much of her time supporting those of us who did not know how to deal with our grief often reminding us there was a lesson in everything that happens in life. Hazel was also predeceased by her sister, Vera Foster.
Hazel and Bill moved around often in their life together and spent most weekends, regardless of where they lived, camping. After settling in Kamloops in 1971, they discovered that they could combine their love of camping with their love of dancing by joining the Kamloops Square Dancers Club. Square dancing and round dancing became a new favourite hobby and took them on many camping/dancing trips throughout the province and beyond. Hazel excelled at dancing and she eventually progressed to calling which often put her in high demand.
Although spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was truly her greatest passion, Hazel also pursued numerous other interests throughout her life. Long before it was “a thing” you could find Hazel meditating, practicing yoga, testing her new vegetarian recipes on her family, and studying numerology. She also took up sign language in her 50’s and running in her 60’s. Having a glass of red wine (her favourite was David’s) brought Hazel much joy and many deep conversations often took place while sipping on wine and enjoying a beautiful dinner.
Volunteering and caring for others was another of Hazel’s passions. Hospice was a cause very dear to Hazel and she became a founding volunteer of Hospice in 1981 and remained an active volunteer until 2006. Hazel sat at the bedside and held the hands of many dying individuals during those 25 years. Hazel also volunteered at Pine Grove and did this well into her mid-eighties. Hazel volunteered at many other organizations, including St. Ann’s Academy where she worked as a reading assistant working with her grandchildren and many other young students. Hazel was private and appreciated doing these activities without any fanfare or acknowledgement. Knowing Hazel, she is probably shaking her finger at us right now for sharing this in her obituary.
The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to Dr. Steven Rollheiser and the many nurses on 4 north. Their outstanding compassion and caring of mom made her last few days special. The family also extends a warm thank you to Dr. Ben Anders, who has not only been Hazel’s doctor for many years, but a friend as well.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Hazel’s memory can be made to the Kamloops Hospice Association, 72 Whiteshield Crescent South, Kamloops, BC V2E 2S9, www.kamloopshospice.com.
A Celebration of Hazel’s Life will be announced at a later date.
Condolences may be expressed at www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2017-03-26
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.