Hazel A. Millo

In the song of life, Hazel A. Millo was surely the composer. She was a very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking. Hazel preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. In fact, she depended on her sensory world to provide her with concrete data. A free spirit, Hazel believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn't fit in everything she did. Hazel perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

Hazel was born on May 4, 1929 at the family home in Lake City, Washington. Her parents were Fred and Hester O'Hara. Hazel was raised in Seattle area. As a young child, Hazel was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Hazel rarely calling attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

Early on in her family relationships, Hazel showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with five siblings. She had three brothers Jack, Bill, and Clifford, and two sisters June and Delta. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

Those who didn't know Hazel well might not view her as being an outgoing person, those who called her their friend knew differently. Hazel was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced her opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that her kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Hazel’s, you understood how true a friend she could be. While growing up, one of her best friends was Harriet Staples. Later in life, Hazel continued her friendship with Harriet Staples and also made a new friend in Faye Higgins.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Hazel had the ability to become completely devoted to others. On July 27, 1952, Hazel exchanged wedding vows with Bud at the Brother Jack's back yard of Seattle, Washington.

Hazel was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Hazel was blessed with two daughters Marie and Arlene. They were also blessed with four grandchildren, Jacob, Tina, Kyle, and Joshua. Her two son-in-laws consider Hazel to be a caring and supportive mom and never thought of her in the “mother in law” context.

Hazel found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. Her primary occupation was Tool Room Clerk at Boeing. She was employed for 24 years by The Boeing Company. Hazel tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others.

Hazel enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were going on very long drives for coffee and pie. Hazel was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment.

Hazel’s faith was important to her. She attended Kenmore Assembly of God for many years. During that time, she always had her home opened to share for prayer meetings and playing games in her basement. Even a bus of students came to use her large basement and rec. room for fellowship. Hazel's passionate commitment to upholding her values placed her at home in her church, where she took comfort in the company of others who believed as she did.

Because she loved the world around her, Hazel enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for her to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Hazel put her personal trademark on any leisure planning that she undertook. Favorite vacations included going to Decatur Island and going to the ocean. She loved going to church family camp at Camp Berachah, in Auburn, Washington.

Hazel was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Hazel’s favorites was Dominick, a cockapoo dog. They were best friends for 10 years.

When Hazel’s retirement finally arrived in 1994, she was well prepared. In retirement, she found new pleasure in going to coffee, spending time with her sisters, her family and grandchildren. She was always ready to go get coffee or dinner. Even in retirement, Hazel continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of her life, she became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her and simply enjoying what she had worked so hard to attain.

Hazel passed away on June 23, 2010 at Creekside of Merrill Gardens in Woodinville, Washington. She is survived by her two daughters Marie (Dean) Vaughan and Arlene (Steve) Blackwell, four grandchildren Jacob, Tina, Kyle, and Joshua, brother Clifford O’Hara (Roberta), sisters June Watson and Delta (DeWayne) Smith as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Hazel was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Hazel always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Hazel was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Hazel A. Millo. "we all knew Hazel would die with a cup of coffee in her hand"

A memorial service will be held at Maltby Christian Assembly, Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 3pm 9322 Paradise Lake Rd. Snohomish, WA 360-668-4180. A reception will follow the service..