Hazel Harris Tutor

Born in Sardis, Mississippi to Maury R. and Ruby Harris, Hazel is a graduate of All Saints School in Vicksburg and the University of Mississippi, where she later worked at the School of Business. She became a valuable member of the publicity department of the Hilberry Theater in Detroit, Michigan while her husband Rick attended graduate school there.

When Rick was employed to teach at the University of Puget Sound, the family, then numbering three, moved to Tacoma, Washington. After years of devoting time to raising two boys she began work as a medical social worker at Tacoma General Hospital.

In 1977, Hazel took a leave of absence to co-found the Tacoma Actors Guild, that city's first professional theater. Her organizational skills were vital in the endeavor.

Following a move to Seattle in 1987, Hazel worked at the Northwest Aids Foundation and in similar roles at Harborview and other hospitals, and finally for the Washington State Health Department. During that period, she was a fierce advocate for her clients.

Hazel retired in 1998 to travel with her husband, Rick. They returned to Seattle in 2011 to rejoin their sons and grandchildren.

During the past few years Hazel was dedicated to getting out the vote and was an active member and then board member of Grandmothers Against Gun Violence. She so wanted to vote in the upcoming presidential election but just missed that opportunity.

In addition to her immediate family, surviving are a brother, Maury P. Harris (Sarah Beth) and his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in Mississippi and Oregon.

Hazel was the light of our lives and that light will not be extinguished. Long live the Queen.

A memorial service will be held at a later time.

Donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Consider donating to a local theater in memory of Hazel.