Hazel Graham, 77, of New Minas, Kings County, NS, passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 12th, 2023
She was born in Rossington, Yorkshire, England. Hazel was the daughter of the late Robert Sisson and Noreen Green (Step Father Philip Green). Hazel was predeceased by her true loves, Norman Rogers and Charles Graham. Hazel leaves behind two daughters, Vicki Paddick (Steven) and Tricia Rogers(Manuel), along with her grandchildren, Lachlan and Emma Paddick. She was the oldest of six surviving siblings Pauline Smith (Robert deceased), Maureen Ingalls (Barry), John Sisson (Sharon deceased), Allen Sisson (Giselle), and Roberta Bezanson (Robert). Anita and Charlie Keddy, as well as several other nieces, nephews, and many cousins, survive her as well. Hazel also leaves behind her British family that she remained in contact with especially Aunt Bennie and her namesake Aunt Hazel. Hazel also leaves behind her cherished Aunt Mary Cunningham.
As a young child, Hazel immigrated to Canada from England after the Second World War with her mother on the Queen Mary in 1946 through Pier 21. Mom lived in Kentville, Nova Scotia, where she met Norman. They moved to Hamilton, Ontario, where they had their daughters. After Norman’s passing, Hazel returned to Nova Scotia to forge a new life as a single parent.
Mom spent five years in Germany with her then-husband, Peter Foley, daughters and stepchildren, Dawn and Christopher. This was a highlight of her life as she loved traveling Europe and always spoke of her trip to Israel and visiting the birthplace of Christ. This is where she met her special friends Dave and Dawn MacGillvary.
We were so proud that Mom returned to school to obtain her GED and completed her Personal Care Worker certification with honours. She loved caring for the elderly in Nova Scotia and Alberta. Mom moved to Calgary in 1992, where she was fortunate to meet Charles, our loving Stepfather. They were members of the Ogden Royal Canadian Legion where Mom served as Secretary and Dad as President. Many great memories were created with many friends and family. They lived there until 2010 when Charles passed. Mom came home to Nova Scotia, excited to spend time with her grandchildren.
Mom lived the past 13 years in her beloved Annapolis Valley. She had health challenges living with her chronic pain in her latter years but persevered. She loved her wine, her crime shows, and her British shows. Before her passing, Mom was excited about the baseball season starting, especially watching her Yankees.
Every time Hazel entered a room in her younger years, up to her last days, she always had a big joyous smile. That smile took her through many beautiful doors throughout her life and even brought her to meet her lifelong friends, Betty Murray and Carla Kimmett who were mom's cheerleaders.
Mom made every holiday special. Her daughters had wicked homemade costumes for Halloween, and during Christmas time, there was tinsel and decorations everywhere. She took her girls on excursions such as Kingsport Beach, Murphy Lake, and stays at the Grant's in Hantsport. Her baking was the best bar none and she loved gardening. Mom loved animals and her cherished cats Charlie, Chico, and Chichi will spend their remaining days with her sister Pauline.
Even though she left us suddenly, and we did not get to say goodbye, we will have cherished memories. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to any animal rescue or SPCA to recognize her devotion to her past and present pets. https://www.novascotiaspca.ca/how-you-can-help/donate/. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.