DORAN, Hazel Violet (nee BATES) - February 17, 1922 - April 28, 2022
Our beautiful Hazel passed peacefully, at Headwaters Health Care Centre, on Friday, April 29, 2022, at the age of 100.
Beloved wife of the late Don Doran.
Dear mother of Joan Smith (Garry), Douglas (deceased) and Deb Davidson (Stuart).
Cherished grandmother of Douglas (Drasko), Richard, Carley, Emily (Guy). Dearest great-grandmother of Summer, Gracie, Holly, Abigayle, Taylor and Davidson. Predeceased by her brothers and sisters.
This February Hazel celebrated her 100th birthday at a party with family and friends, being in good health and high spirits, a day that will live as a cherished memory.
Hazel's life was an inspiration to family, and friends alike.
Hazel was dropped off by her mother at an orphanage in Kingston, Ontario, at age seven and released at age twelve, then after a short stay with a family member, was homeless working as a caregiver and house servant until her marriage to John Burns at seventeen years of age.
Those hard times increased her desires and determination to be loving, caring and ambitious in everything she pursued.
Hazel ran the Eager Beaver (Rockland) Children's Camp for fifteen years where she was lovingly known as Auntie Hazel. Then at fifty years old decided to go to seek her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse caring for people. Hazel graduated with an NRA degree and worked at Bellville Hospital until retirement at age sixty-five.
Her energy continued and she became an artisan, creating porcelain dolls complete with beautiful gowns then on to organizing training classes for several years. In her later years, Hazel turned to clay sculptures using those marvellous hands to create unique pieces, painting them in acrylic and fire them in her own kiln.
Hazel has written a book of her life story being published in June and hopes there's enough interest to read her story. Book is named "Hazel Violet – Wild Flower".
A celebration of life will be held at Dods & McNair Funeral Home, 21 First Street, Orangeville, on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. With visitation beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Memorial donations would be appreciated by the family to the Sick Children's Hospital Toronto.
Would you please pass this poem on to Bill:
WILD FLOWER
I will share with you I
will protect you
But I will never pick you
And take you from your roots
Because then you would be a possession
Not a beautiful life Stay wild and free.