JOHNSON – Hazel Johnson of Brooks, passed away in Brooks on Thursday, March 15th, at the age of 95 years. Hazel was born on March 12th, 1923 in Czar, Alberta, She is survived by her son Craig (Beverley) Johnson; brother Harvey Anderson; grandchildren Scott (Melonie) Johnson, Tammy (Rob) Hill, Darren Johnson, Robynn (Brian) Ficiur, Tomas (Catalina) Johnson and Anthony (Cassandra) Johnson; plus 10 great grandchildren (with another one on the way) and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son Douglas, husband Gordon, daughter-in-law Rita and great-grandson Ethan. Hazel was born in her parents’ farm house in Czar, the second oldest of 6 children. She lived there until she finished high school and moved to Edmonton to work as a stenographer. She married Gordon on June 25th, 1949. Douglas was born in May of 1950, and they moved to Edson in 1952, when Gordon becoming an engineer on the trains for CN. In 1953, their second son Craig was born. Gordon joined Alberta Gas Trunkline in the early 1960’s, and the family moved to Brooks in the fall of 1963. Hazel joined Pro Insurance Agencies not too long afterwards, eventually becoming a part owner, before retiring. She had her Real Estate License as well and enjoyed that aspect of working. Once retired, Hazel and Gordon enjoyed travelling, with some of their more memorable trips being to Australia to see their son Craig get married, a Panama cruise and an Alaskan cruise. Hazel and Gordon would travel south in their motorhome to winter in the warmer climate, with many of the latter years spent in Needles California. They met many friends from various places in North America and enjoyed the atmosphere that the RV resorts offered. During her working years, Hazel also enjoyed playing cards; such as, bridge, cribbage and other family card games. Gordon and Hazel enjoyed dancing, with many a Friday or Saturday night spent at the Legion or Elks dancing with their friends. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 24th at 2:00 PM from Smith Memorial Chapel, 204 – 3rd Avenue West, Brooks. Interment at Czar Cemetery, Czar, Alberta. In memory of Hazel, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Brooks and District Health Foundation, Bag 300, Brooks, AB. T1R 1B3.
