Hazel Brunt
Died: December 29, 2024 | Place: London, Ontario
Services
Service
Celebration of Life for Hazel in Spring 2025
Obituary
Brunt, Hazel Isabella (nee Murray)
Hazel died peacefully on December 29th, 2024, at the age of 100. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Peter in 1997. Hazel leaves behind daughters Elaine (Tom) and Wendy (Alex); grandchildren Mee-Ja (Shuhei), Marc (Molly), Justin (Lisa), Aaron (Mel), Laura (François), and Bradley (Lauren); and great-grandchildren Masaru, Maggie, Ryan, Olivia, Chloe, Cassie, Harry, Raphaël, Evelyn, William and Zoe.
Born July 25, 1924 to parents Edith and Murdo, in rural Québec, Hazel had vivid memories of her close knit family. She was the third of seven children and is predeceased by all her siblings (Mavis, Lennox, Alene, Walter, George and Martha), and countless dear friends. She is remembered with fondness by sisters-in-law Nancy and Phyllis, cousin Stanley, and many nieces and nephews.
Excelling at school and chosen valedictorian in her final year, Hazel’s goal was to become a nurse. When a brief illness with heart complications prevented her from completing her training, she channelled her disappointment into business studies and started work in a Montreal office. Through a co-worker, she met her husband Peter. He had served with the Royal Canadian Navy on the HMCS Restigouche. They were married in 1946, and Peter completed his education degree and taught at various Montreal high schools. They settled in family housing for Veterans in Crawford Park, Montreal, where their daughters were raised. Their modest home was always a place of welcome for visiting family and friends.
Hazel was a devoted wife, skilled homemaker and caring mother. Always resourceful with a limited budget, she excelled at cooking, baking and cake decorating. A talented seamstress, she made special outfits for her daughters and contributed to many church bazaars. She was artistic and produced delightful paper crafts and cards. She created lovely works of embroidery and crewel for her home and as gifts to others. Her handwriting was renowned. She had a flair for décor and was often teased about her furniture rearranging and refurbishing. She was known for her love of colour, especially deep red, and was often complimented for her outfits.
In 1977, the family left Quebec. Elaine’s family was transferred to Vancouver, BC and Wendy’s family moved to London, Ontario. Hazel and Peter also resettled in London and lived in the Cherryhill complex. Hazel and Peter spent the winter months in Florida visiting Peter’s brother, John and sister in law, Jean, where they made many new friends. Hazel and Peter drove yearly to Manitoba to visit Hazel’s parents and family and to Vancouver to spend time with Elaine and Tom and their children.
Other travels involved trips through Canada and the United States. Following Peter’s death, Hazel continued her love of adventure to include visits to Newfoundland, Bermuda, Israel, and hiking in the Rockies.
Hazel enjoyed being included in Wendy’s family events and circle of friends over the years, was part of discussion groups and delighted in all choral events, particularly those of the Amabile choirs. One of her favourite places was Wendy’s backyard garden, where she could sit quietly and listen to birdsong.
Hazel’s empathy for others was exceptional. From regular visits to seniors in care homes in Montreal, to forming a support group for widows and widowers in London after Peter died, to initially serving on the welcoming committee at Masonville Manor where she moved to in 2012 – she cared about people who felt alone and was an attentive and cheerful listener.
As a member of Riverside United Church, for many years, she phoned each of the ten households named in the printed worship bulletin, leaving a message of blessing and encouragement if they were not at home. She was formally recognized by the congregation for her compassionate ministry. This role meant a great deal to her and was especially important during the period of Covid isolation.
In the last few years, her declining health made it more difficult for her to interact with others. Wendy and Alex spent time with her each day and oversaw an increasing number of personal support workers. The family wishes especially to acknowledge her personal support worker Heather, Masonville manager Sandra Taggert, and resident Luisa Pires, a caring friend. In recent months, Hazel especially appreciated visits from Don and Sue Curtis and Nancy Murray. On her 100th birthday, she received over 100 cards and messages and was celebrated at a birthday tea held at Masonville Manor. Hazel never lost her beautiful smile and continued to receive compliments about her attractive outfits. She will be missed by many whose lives she touched.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life for Hazel in Spring 2025. A. Millard George Funeral Home (519-433-5184) entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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My condolences to Hazel’s family. I knew Hazel from Riverside United Church and called her my friend. She always shared a smile, a warm welcome, and engaged in interesting conversation. Her legacy at church was her Telephone Ministry through which her caring, friendly and inspiring faithful nature shone. Hazel was joy and light. Peace be with you.
My condolences to Hazel’s family on her passing. We started attending Riverside United around 2018 and Hazel was always checking on us by phone and at service. Her welcoming kindness was much appreciated. She was an admirable person, constantly thinking of others.
Dear Wendy, Elaine and family
I was deeply saddened to hear of your Mom Hazel’s passing. She was such an important and cherished part of my life growing up. As a member of our church, and especially as my saint during confirmation, Hazel exemplified Christ’s love, grace, and kindness in every way.
I have so many fond memories of her— from seeing live theatre together, the warmth of her hospitality during visits to her home, and the countless phone calls where her wisdom and encouragement always shone through. I remember celebrating her birthday (80?) at Wendy’s with Brad’s special house concert with The Six Ensemble. It was also such a joy for us that she was able to attend our wedding ceremony at Riverside. Those moments were filled with so much joy and love. A testament to the vibrant spirit Hazel brought to everything.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you both during this difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing how deeply Hazel impacted the lives of so many, including mine. She truly reflected Christ in human flesh, and her legacy of love and faith will live on in all who knew her.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Hillary (MacDonald) Van Spronsen
To Wendy and Elaine –
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mom. I’m so sorry. She was a very special compassionate person and a dear friend. I always enjoyed working with her at Riverside. And of course, everyone at church looked forward to and loved her regular phone calls. What a blessed ministry! I truly appreciated her warm hospitality and our wonderful conversations. Hazel was so kind when my husband, Bill, passed. Do know my caring thoughts are with you. Norma Clare
Wendy,Alex, family,Elaine, Tom,family ,our sympathy to all of you. I have good memories of your mom always smiling and interested in our lives when we saw her. A great lady,a life well lived.
We are two of the lucky Riverside people who were blessed to count Hazel as a friend. Her beautiful warm smile, her sincere interest in and empathy for the lives of others, her cheerful phone messages – these are among our favourite “Hazel memories”.
Our thoughts are with all of you.
We were so sad to learn of Hazel’s passing. She was such a lovely person – always cheerful and smiling. Her phone calls were greatly appreciated.
Our sympathies to all of Hazel’s family and friends.
Heather Truemner and Peter Steckenreiter
Riverside United Church
Dear Wendy, Alex, Elaine, Tom and all the family: What a wonderful obituary that, as lovely as it is, can only partially capture the amazing force of positivity that was my aunt Hazel. She truly saw the best in everyone and, where the best was sometimes lacking, she had a way of providing encouragement, support and direction that was legendary in our household. My father and mother loved Hazel and Peter and, now that Hazel has passed, we have all lost direct access to an entire generation. This said, Hazel lives on in our memories and we all continue to benefit from her important lessons on how to live a purposeful life based on doing for others.. In my imagination, I can see Hazel mixing up some powdered milk for Peter (the Pearly Gate Peter!) and, despite the taste, he drinks a full glass and admits her to her reward. Bless you Hazel and all the family.
My condolences to Hazel’s family. I met Hazel when my Mom, Dorothy McDonald, moved into Masonville Manor in February 2016. Hazel was Mom’s designated welcome helper. Mom sure struck gold when she had Hazel looking out for her. They were both born in 1924 and although they lived very different lives, they had so much in common.
Hazel never failed to greet me with a smile, and a cheery greeting that always included calling me by name.
My Mom moved from Masonville Manor in 2021 following a fall and now lives in LTC. With Covid restrictions and other contributing circumstances, we never really got to say goodbye. We lost touch with Hazel after the move but we thought of her often and remembered her as being so kind, selfless, and strong.
I feel so fortunate that our paths crossed.