Obituary of Verna Hazel Griebel

Hazel Griebel was born on April 30, 1917 in Castor at the family home south of the tracks. She was the youngest of three children. Her parents George and Florie Hodgkinson, had emigrated to Canada from England in 1906 to the Daisy Bank district south of Halkirk before settling in Castor in 1915. When Hazel was two, they moved to the Beaverdale School district just north of Castor, where she attended school. After her father died in 1929 Hazel helped her mother, brother George and sister Lucy on the farm. She also sometimes accompanied her mother, a midwife and care giver, on client visits. In 1935, she and her mother moved back into the town of Castor. In 1944 Hazel married Leo Griebel, an immigrant from Germany. They settled on the farm north of Castor where Walter and Veronica Weber now reside. The early years were challenging and filled with horse and sleigh rides to town during cold winters, gardening, berry picking and feeding fall threshing crews. Over time, five children, one boy and four girls, completed the family circle. In 1975 Leo and Hazel retired to Clandonald, AB in order to be closer to children and grandchildren. There she was active in the Seniors’ Centre, and enjoyed babysitting and going to the lake. Hazel came home again to Castor in 1994 when she and Leo moved into Manor II. This gave her more time for her other joys; baking, handicrafts and friendships. Hazel lived her life simply, honestly and with great enthusiasm. She put all of us above herself, devoting her life to her family, church and community. She was a 65 year C.W.L. member and a member of the Hospital Auxiliary. She had an eye for detail, a keen mind and a sharp memory that served her well through all her years. Her boundless energy will be remembered by all those who knew her. Hazel is survived by one son Leonard (Lillian) of Edmonton; four daughters: Carolyn DeFord and Marlene (John) Lawrence of Clandonald, Veronica (Walter) Weber of Castor and Monica (Neal) Fink of Edmonton; 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents Florie and George; brother George Hodgkinson; sister Lucy Hatherley; her husband Leo; son in law Dever DeFord; and one granddaughter. Always in our hearts, God took Hazel home on Friday, January 13, 2012 at Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital, Castor, AB. Prayer Vigil Monday, January 16, 2012 7:00 P.M. Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, January 17, 2012 2:00 P.M. Donations may be made to the Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital Foundation or Paintearth Lodge