Obituary - Hazel Collard

Hazel Joyce Collard, beloved wife of the late Mr. Alfred “Bruce” Collard, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at the age of 87 years.  Hazel leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Norman (Maria) Collard of Medicine Hat and Gordon (Joan) Collard of Redcliff.  She was so proud of her seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, Lori (Morley) Herter of Golden Prairie, Saskatchewan and their children, Brooklyn, Brock and Mikalyla;  Kimberly (Mike) Vair;  Brent Collard and his children, Chazdynn, Triniti and Kaiden;  Corinne (Sean) Coffey and daughter, Jordan of Vegreville, Alberta; Sean Collard and his children, Parker, Jaxson and Merczaydes; Everett Collard (Kailey and Bradley);  Jennifer Collard and her children, Hunter and Bryce as well as numerous nieces, nephews and close friends.  Hazel was predeceased by her husband, Bruce on June 13, 2005;  an infant daughter at birth and daughter, Barbara Ann Collard on April 3, 2012;  her parents, Alvin and Bertha Langbein; siblings, Kate (Elmo) Price, Jim (Ann) Sparrow, Nellie (Alex) Giles, Frances (Abe) Leppard, Marion (Chester) Thorpe, Roy (Alva) Langbein and Isabelle (Calvin) Cavan.  She was also predeceased by Bruce’s parents, Albert and Ethel Collard;  brother-in-law, Mel (Olga) Collard and sisters-in-law, Muriel, Edith and Agnes Collard.  Hazel was born in Medicine Hat on July 31, 1926, and lost her father, Alvin at the age of 3 and her mother, Bertha when she was 8.  Hazel was then raised by her older siblings.  On May 15, 1946, she married Bruce in the Gordon Memorial United Church in Redcliff where she was an active member of the church and Evening Circle.  She was also a life member of the Ladies Auxillary of the Redcliff Royal Canadian Legion Branch #6 and a member of the Bertha Chapter No. 103 of the Order of the Eastern Star.  Bruce and Hazel lived their whole lives in Redcliff and their lives revolved around their family and friends.  Hazel enjoyed her crafts, crocheting, artex painting, watching hockey and did various volunteer work through the years. Hazel was the Mother everyone should be fortunate enough to have.  We will miss you Mum, but know you are Just A Memory Away.  A Graveside Service open to the public will take place at the Redcliff Cemetery Friday, June 13, 2014, at 1:00 p.m.; followed by a Celebration of Hazel’s life at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Barrett Scheske officiating.  A luncheon will immediately follow in the Cook Southland Reception Facility. Hazel’s family would like to thank the Doctors and staff of 6 West, especially Mum’s doctor, Dr. S. Ciubotaru and his nurse, Gita for the excellent care you took of our mother.  A special thanks to the Home Care girls and We Care girls who aided Mum while she was still at home- you became very special to her. Thanks also to all who sent cards, flowers, gifts of food and messages of comfort. We are grateful for the Redcliff people who prepared, volunteered and delivered the Meals On Wheels to Hazel.  We also acknowledge the Redcliff Legion Ladies Auxillary for honouring Hazel at the Graveside and last but not least, a special thank you to the staff of Cook Southland Funeral Chapel. Memorial donations in Hazel’s name may be made directly to the Redcliff Scholarship Fund, c/o Prairie Rose School Division No. 8, Attn: Patricia Cocks, Sec. Treasurer, 918 - 2nd Ave., Dunmore, Alberta, T1B 0K3 or to the charity of your choice.