August 6, 1929 - April 30, 2021
Hazel Audrey Chong (née Joe), passed away peacefully in her sleep at home surrounded by her sons Colin and Craig after a long courageous battle with leukemia on April 30, 2021.
Hazel was born on August 6, 1929, in Vernon BC, the youngest of 13 children. After her husband George's sudden death in 1980, she raised her two sons as a working single parent.
She was predeceased by brothers and sisters; David, Helen, Edith, Henry, Frank, Walter, Ruth, Pearl, Laura, Edward, and Richard.
She is survived by sister Margaret of Ottawa, sons Colin and Craig (Corinne), grandchildren Naomi and Aiden, and her many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. She loved them all dearly as they loved her.
Motivated by her brother, Edward, and supported by her sisters, Hazel pursued her educational aspirations and graduated with a Home Economics degree from UBC. She followed her passion for sewing by teaching Home Economics in a career that spanned 35 years until her retirement in 1984.
She started her teaching career in 1949 with short-term assignments in Armstrong, followed by Lumby, and Nanaimo. She then spent most of her career working for the Vancouver School Board at John Oliver, Sir Charles Tupper, and Eric Hamber.
After retiring from teaching, she channeled her energy into working at Mr. Jax Fabric store on Cordova Street for two years and the jewellery department of Eaton's at Metrotown for another six years.
Hazel enthusiastically embraced travelling and cruising, visiting 66 countries. She was an avid Vancouver Canucks hockey fan and had a "cold one" ready to enjoy while she watched them play, banging pots and pans each time they scored a goal.
Always the life of the party, Hazel made many friends. She remained in close contact with many of her colleagues and students, as well as the many others she befriended throughout her life. She enjoyed hosting parties for family and friends and had many wonderful memories of times spent together.
Nothing was ever left up to chance, everything was well planned and orchestrated. As she often said "What I did, I did it my way. That's been the story of me, all my life."
At Hazel's request, there will be no services, viewing, or gathering due to the current pandemic. Instead, when safe, she would like her sons to plan a memorial gathering providing friends and family an opportunity to raise a glass and share memories together in celebration of her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Canuck Place would be appreciated.
She will be greatly missed.