Hazel A. Mcclung

For Hazel McClung, there was no place she'd rather be than surrounded by her loving family who brought her the greatest joy. Through her unconditional love and caring heart, Hazel was often strict and just as tenderhearted. Every bit the lady, she taught her family what was proper, just and right through example. A remarkable woman in the lives of many, she leaves much to be remembered and will be dearly missed. Born on June 28, 1918, Hazel Alberta was a welcome blessing in the lives of her parents, Allen and Amy (Rider) Burgess of Marlinton, West Virginia. A significant time in our nations history, the end of World War I was a welcome relief for many but cause for concern was the Spanish flu which began reaching epidemic proportions. Hazel's father was a hard working farmer while her mother remained at home caring for Hazel and her younger sisters, Nellie and Ellen. With their beautiful young girls in tow, Sundays were spent attending church as a family where Hazel especially liked participating in cake walks that often took place at church functions. During her youth life for Hazel and her family was pretty simple. She and her sisters had their share of household chores and helped out with many areas of the farm along with going to school. Difficult times during the onset of the Great Depression became a greater struggle as its effects swept across the nation. In time they moved to the lakeshore city of Muskegon, Michigan and like many young people during this time, Hazel left school in the 8th grade in order to seek work to help ease her family's financial burden. Hazel took her first job as a cook at the local YMCA. These years were a time of mixed blessings in our nation's history, but Hazel persevered and soon grew into a lovely young woman. While attending one of the many dances held in the area, Hazel met a dashing young man named June McClung who quickly stole her heart. Realizing their deep love and great admiration for one another, they later sealed their love in marriage by eloping in 1943. Making their home in the North Muskegon area, Hazel and June were soon blessed with two beautiful daughters of their own to love. Margaret came along in 1947 and Peggy followed in 1950. Hazel's family meant everything to her. She made a good home for them and many enjoyable trips were shared over the years visiting family in West Virginia. Tragedy struck for Hazel when her beloved husband, June passed away in May of 1966. With two young girls at home, Hazel was sadly left to raise and provide for them on her own. She and the girls remained in their home on Buys Road in North Muskegon where Hazel balanced raising them with a strict firmness coupled with unconditional love. For a time she held several different jobs but nothing compared to the wonderful years she spent working as a cook at Muskegon General Hospital. She eventually retired in 1980 and continued to count her years employed there as some of her best. Over the years Hazel was blessed abundantly with the special friendships she shared with Laura Buck, Ken Rowe and Barb Waldren. Together Hazel and her daughters enjoyed fun family activities and memorable trips to West Virginia. They loved scouting for bargains at garage sales and enjoyed movie nights, too. These times were made all the more enjoyable when shared with her grandchildren. Hazel loved taking them to concerts, the circus, Ice Capades and watching Hee Haw together on TV while she sat nearby crocheting. Any time they shared a meal together was sure to be a great time. Hazel kept active not only with her family but in many other areas of her life as well. She enjoyed bowling, was a member of TOPS, went on various bus trips, color tours, concerts and shopping trips throughout the years but time spent gardening brought contentment to her soul. Her two boxers, Penny and Topper kept Hazel busy and offered her a world of companionship The holidays were always a special time for Hazel because she loved having everyone home. Often found cooking to everyone's delight, she was a great cook and made delicious homemade vegetable beef soup and the best peanut butter fudge. In fact, her family found watching her make it to be quite enjoyable. It was evident that one of the many ways Hazel demonstrated her love was through her cooking. A remarkable woman, Hazel McClung added so much and more to those she came in contact with. Her firm nature was unmatched when it came to her abiding love. Caring and kind, she taught proper etiquette in all she said and did. She will be lovingly remembered as a wonderful role model who possessed a sneaky, out-of-character nature which made her all the more lovable and kissable to those who loved her. She will be sadly missed. At the age of 92, Mrs. Hazel A. McClung passed away Tuesday, February 15, 2011. She is survived by her daughters: Peggy (Howard) Peckham of Muskegon, Margaret (Leonard) Ward of Ohio; grandchildren: Christine Graham of Muskegon, Brenda (Denver) Clemens of Ohio; five great-grandchildren; sisters: Nellie (Freeman) Adkison of West Virginia, Ellen (Bob) Kelly of Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and special friend, Kenneth Rowe. SERVICE: Saturday, February 19, 2011, 2:00 PM with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Interment at Laketon Township Cemetery. MEMORIAL: Alzheimer's Association. Please visit clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory of Hazel, submit a photo or to sign her online guest book.