Hazel Tribe

TRIBE, Hazel Bernice…

August 10, 1926 – September 29, 2019

Hazel Bernice Tribe died in London, ON after a brief illness. She was predeceased in June 2018 by her husband of 69 years, Fred Tribe.

Hazel was born on her family’s farm in Kingsmill, ON, near St. Thomas, ON, to Charlie and Carrie Smith (nee Howe).  Hazel is predeceased by a sister, Ruth Perry, and is survived by her sister, Jean Cornish.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law Marie Hartney and brother-in-law Doug Groat. She and Fred raised their three children in Ridgetown:  Kevin (Kathy), Joanne Foster (Tony Vercouteran) and Terry Tribe.  They were proud grandparents to Laura (Josh Tabish), Eric and Alex.  Hazel will be missed by many nieces and nephews after decades of “Tribe” gatherings.

When WWII ended, Fred learned a trade and they moved to Ridgetown, ON to open their paint and wallpaper store.  Fred did the manual labour with his crew and Hazel did the bookkeeping along with the essential homemaking chores.  Later, Hazel found other work to help support her family including preparing meals in the cafeteria at “the Ag School” (now the University of Guelph).

Hazel loved feeding the birds, caring for their pet dogs, her outdoor gardens and indoor houseplants.  Always creative, Hazel was known for the special occasion cakes she decorated when she worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chatham, ON.  After retirement, she and Fred travelled extensively in motorhomes across every province and state.  They never met a stranger and enjoyed reunions with camping friends year after year until they hung up their keys for good.  

During the last month of her life, Hazel shared this quote often: “Every moment is a new memory; enjoy the moment”.  Not everyone makes new friends at an advanced age, but Hazel sure did.  She brightened the lives of the staff and residents at Longworth and Westmount with her wit and her quick smile.

Cremation has taken place and a private graveside service will be held in the future.  Donations in Hazel’s memory can be made to the London Humane Society¸ 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5 or to a charity of your choice.  A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com