Hazel Parker, 81

Hazel Joan (Harbeson) Parker, 81, of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. Hazel was born Oct. 24, 1933 in Sturgis to Lawrence and Rachel (Eicher) Harbeson. She spent most of her life in the Nottawa area before moving to Kalamazoo in 2007 to be near her family and her beloved grandchildren.

For many years she worked in the Export Department of the Johnson Corporation (now Kadant Johnson) in Three Rivers before retiring in 1996. Hazel was a kind, generous woman who quietly helped others in need, following the example set by her parents.

Hazel was married to Max Parker but they later divorced. She is survived by three daughters, Judy Lynn, Nancy Parker and Sherri Littke; granddaughters, Leigh Ann (Michael) Colegrove, Catherine Brooks, Heather (Michael) Stone and Dawn Littke; great-grandchildren, Jennifer Colegrove, Gabrielle Watson, Kayla Watson, London Brooks, Samantha Stone, Alexandria Stone and Leo Littke; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and infant sister, Mildred Harbeson. At Hazel’s request there will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 18 at Willow Lake Clubhouse in Parkview Hills, 3707 Greenleaf Circle, Kalamazoo, between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. to share fellowship, friendship, memories and laughter with her family. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice of Southwest Michigan, American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Please go to her web page to leave a message for her family at www.avinkcremation.com.