Hazel Marion Palmer was born on October 25, 1917 at home at Glenside, Sask. She passed away on January 13, 2012 at the Davidson Health Centre. She was the first child of Louis and Katie Mae Morrison. Louis came to Saskatchewan from Ontario to homestead in 1910; Katie Mae moved to Saskatchewan from Iowa as a young bride in 1917. Hazel was predeceased by her brothers Cecil and Dale Morrison. The family moved to the farm at Bladworth on April 30, 1927. She spent most of her school years at the Knob Hill School and also went to “normal” school in Bladworth. Hazel married Roy Palmer on April 18, 1944 after a long courtship, and they shared 53 years together. They deeply loved one another and worked side by side farming in the Davidson area for 50 years. They retired and moved to the town of Davidson in 1993. Roy predeceased Hazel in 1997.
Hazel was known to many in Davidson as “the egg lady” as she delivered eggs in town for over 20 years. She would go to town once a week to both deliver eggs and have a little visit with her customers. Roy would patiently wait for her at each stop. At the end of such a day, they would often go to Harry’s Drive-in for ice cream. Hazel embraced life and looked forward to each day as an opportunity not a burden. She worked hard but also took time for hobbies such as crafts, ceramics, and flowers. She said that flowers were one way she had something beautiful, even in the hard years. She was not afraid to try new things such as growing banana potatoes in her patio potato bags. She also loved to read and that was a big loss to her when she lost her sight due to macular degeneration. However, she also took all the treatments available to her in an effort to keep her sight for as long as possible. She often said she was willing to try new treatments to help the next generation. Although Hazel never had children of her own, she enjoyed visits from all her family and friends. Everyone was made welcome, and she always made sure her guests were well fed. If she met you once, she would remember you forever. Hazel made a point of always trying to get to know a little something about you. She always listened to what you were saying, whether it was on the end of a crackling phone line or doing dishes with her. But more importantly, she always heard what you were telling her because she truly cared about what was important to you and she never stopped wanting to learn.
Hazel was laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Saskatoon, beside Roy and her parents, by her nephews honourary pallbearer Allen Pederson, pallbearers Eldon Pederson, Reg, Ross, John and Gordon Morrison, and great-nephew Kurtis Merrithew.
Hazel was a strong and independent woman and her family wish to thank so many people for helping Aunt Hazel to remain independent and in her home. To all the home care staff – thank you! You tended not only to her physical needs but also kept her informed of the news she loved to hear about her town. We thank all the staff at the Davidson Health Centre. It was a comfort to us that she was in such good hands. Thank you to Rev. Eurig for your support and visits to Hazel. Thank you to Hilda for coming to read The Davidson Leader. Hazel is survived by many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law and cousins. Aunt Hazel will live in our hearts, memories and stories for generations to come.