Stewart, Hazel Mae (Nee Speirs); August 18, 1934- September 21, 2011 Peacefully, at the Groves Memorial Hospital in Fergus, Ontario at the age of 77, surrounded by family, Hazel Mae Speirs, dearly loved wife of 56 years to Bertram Stewart of Elora, formerly of Hornby, Ontario and loving mother of their four children, Paul, Lynne (Jim Moore), Donna (Tom Dolson), and Kelly (Jason French). Proud grandmother of Kristen (Scott Greenhill) and Adam Dolson, Brian (Kim), Brent and David Moore, and Connor and Blaire French. She was the delighted great-grandmother of Caden Greenhill. Hazel was the youngest daughter of Archie and Mary Speirs of Mayfield, and was predeceased by her brother John (Helen) Speirs and her sisters Ruth (Russell Graham) and Gwen (David Armstrong). Mourning her loss are her sisters Mary (Bob Grant), Laura (Ed Armstrong-deceased), and her brother Ken (Lonna) Speirs. She was more than a “sister-in-law” to Bertram’s brothers and sisters: Andy (deceased) and Adele, Dorothy (Lorne Paisley-deceased), Isobel (Elmer Russell-deceased), R.J. and Betty-June, Henry and Jean, Hilliard (deceased) and Marguerite, Murray and Marnie. She was also a dear “Aunt Hazel” to her many Speirs and Stewart nieces and nephews and their families. Hazel Stewart was many things: a schoolteacher, community leader, 10 year 4-H Leader and a delightful hostess who loved to entertain. She also had a great love for music as she played the piano, harmonica and organ and sang competitively and in choirs. Her creative side was apparent to all of us through her crocheting and scrapbooking. She was enthusiastic about a variety of games and loved to win with both family and friends and an active bridge club member. Walking, swimming and lawn bowling kept Hazel in shape but curling was a great passion for her where she won many bonspiels and competed successfully at high levels. Reading was also a great love. Hazel very willingly gave up a career in teaching and education administration, choosing to be a stay-at-home Mother. As a partner to Bertram she travelled with him as he consulted and judged in the Dairy Industry and other events throughout Canada, the USA and 17 other countries around the world. She served as 4-H mother to the Ontario 4-H Dairy Judging Team for 20 years travelled to and from the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. The family would like to express their undying gratitude to the Fergus hospital staff for their unfailing kindness and exceptional care of Hazel during these last difficult weeks. We will never forget the love and concern shown to our family as well as to our dear wife and mother. Also a sincere and special thank you to the many friends and relatives that went above the call – your generosity was overwhelming.
Visitation was held at the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home, 280 St. David Street South, Fergus on Sunday, September 25th, 2011 2-4pm & 7-9pm. Additional visitation was held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church prior to the service 9:30-10:30am. Memorial Service took place at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 325 St. George Street West, Fergus on Monday, September 26th, 2011 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund c/o Ontario Holstein or Ontario 4-H Foundation Re: The Bertram & Hazel Stewart Bursary Fund c/o Ontario 4-H. www.grahamgiddyfh.com 519-843-3100