Doody, Hazel M., 88, New Sweden and Washburn, in Bangor, July 14, 2008. Arrangements are in the care of the Lancaster-Morgan Funeral Home, Caribou.
NEW SWEDEN & WASHBURN – Hazel M. Doody passed away peacefully on July 14 at Westgate Manor in Bangor. She was born October 19, 1919, in New Sweden, the daughter of Mabel Erickson Olander and Olaf Olander.
Hazel grew up in New Sweden and attended school in her community, then went on to graduate as Salutatorian of her class at Caribou High School. Her family was among the original settlers in the New Sweden community, coming over from Sweden in the 1880’s.
Being raised in a Swedish speaking home, Hazel remained fluent in Swedish her entire life. Her heritage was evident in family and holiday celebrations. Hazel was a member of the Gustav Adolph Lutheran Church until she moved to Washburn and became a member of the Lidstone Methodist Church.
Hazel worked in the insurance business for 40 years, many of which were with the Larrabee Insurance Agency, owned by her dear friends Tom and Doris Larrabee. She continued with the business when it became the Stoddard Insurance Agency, until her retirement in 1981. She took great pride in any work she did, and was a meticulous record keeper. She also kept account of her husband Lew’s construction business.
We will forever cherish our memories of Hazel: our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. If the life you live is the lesson you teach, then she taught us well in kindness, optimism, and finding contentment in life’s daily, simple pleasures.
An avid reader, she enjoyed keeping up with politics and current events, and never missed an opportunity to vote. She appreciated a good mystery, would laugh to the point of tears at a humorous situation, and absolutely relished any televised sporting event. Her gentle, quiet demeanor rarely changed unless it was to root for her team.
Hazel was predeceased in 1993 by her husband Llewellyn, to whom she was married for 49 years. She was also predeceased by her brother, Alvin Olander of Virginia. Hazel is survived by her daughters, Patricia Trask and her husband Alvin of Brewer; Linda Randolph and her husband Timothy, of Presque Isle; grandchildren, Beth Costello and her husband Jim of Yarmouth and their children Nicholas, Tyler and Sara; Karen Grindle and her husband Karl of Holden and their daughter Alexa; Ann Trask and her husband Hugh Mitchell of South Portland, as well as Christopher Randolph and his wife Barb of Presque Isle and children Christopher and Zachari. She also leaves her cousin, Evelyn Archer of Presque Isle, childhood friend, Francis Nelson of New Sweden; special Washburn friends, Lorraine Harrison and Jeanette Barker; Westgate friend Eleanor Bearor; and someone dear to her heart, Beth Larrabee of Port St. Lucie, Florida.
The family extends their deepest thanks and appreciation to the staff of Westgate Manor for their exceptional care over these past 7 years. Their kindness to Hazel and the quality of life they provided greatly enriched her days. We will be forever grateful.
A celebration of Hazel’s life was held at the New Sweden Cemetery on Friday July 18 at 4:30 p.m. Fellowship followed at the Gustav Adolph Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Washburn Public Library.
Arrangements made by Lancaster-Morgan Funeral Home, 11 Clover St., Caribou.
To our dear Hazel we say “Ma Guds fred vara med Dig.”
(May God’s peace be with you.)
