Hazel I. All

With a contagious zest for life, Hazel All brought such color to the world around her. She was a gracious woman who was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside because of the deep love she had in her heart for others. Hazel enjoyed many things in her life, but nothing was of greater value to her than spending time with the family she treasured above all else. She possessed an abiding faith that was not only the joy in her song, but also the shelter from the storms of life. Life was not always easy for Hazel, but she was a survivor who carried herself with a quiet strength that was unmatched. She leaves behind lessons in grace, humility, and honesty that will be her lasting legacy. If one could turn back the hands of time, life in America would look remarkably different than the life we know in America today. The year 1917 is often remembered as the year that our nation entered the First World War, despite the fact that President Woodrow Wilson declared that America was too proud to fight just a couple of years before. This was a significant year in the family of George and Jennie (VanderList) McDonald for a much different reason since it was on January 13th that they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Hazel. Born in Muskegon, Michigan, Hazel was one of two children in her family including her younger brother, Peter. She was raised in the family home on Jackson Hill in Muskegon, and her father worked on the railroad while her mother was a homemaker. When Hazels parents divorced during her formative years, Hazel went to live with her father. She and her brother went to work with their father at night, sleeping in a railroad car and then returning back home in the morning. They had a housekeeper to help out with the household chores, but Hazel wasnt happy with the way she took care of things so she took over the duties herself. Life was forever changed for Hazel when her father took a job cutting timber in Scottville, located about 10 miles east of Ludington. Hazel lived with a couple named Sydney and Dora All on their farm. Although Hazel was engaged to be married, she couldnt help but notice Sydney and Doras son, Elmer. Truth be told, it was love at first sight for both Hazel and Elmer. After falling deeply in love, the couple married on February 13, 1937 in Muskegon. They settled into their first home near Wolf Lake in Muskegon. The couple was overjoyed when they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Kay, on July 24, 1944. Hazel was an excellent seamstress who went to work making clothes for their coming baby and surprisingly, she made only girl clothes even though they had no idea of the babys gender ahead of time. They bought a house at 1137 Emerson that became Hazels lifelong home. In 1956 the family was baptized into the Lutheran faith, and Hazel was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Many fond memories were made at the family cottage on McLaren Lake in Hesperia where Hazel loved to swim. In addition to caring for her husband and daughter, Hazel kept busy pursuing her interests when time allowed. She worked as a clerk at American Coil Spring for 25 years before retiring in 1979. Hazel enjoyed boating, snowmobiling, traveling, and playing cards, and she even had her own 125cc motorcycle. She bowled on many leagues through the years, was a member of the American Legion, and also sang with the Sweet Adelines. Hazel regularly indulged in Coney dogs from G Chili Dogs in Muskegon, but she never did care for fish, turkey, or chicken. She was an animal lover who enjoyed the companionship of her cats, Precious, Tiger, and Blackie. Frequent visits to the beauty shop and lunch with her daughter were some of the times Hazel enjoyed most. Later in life there were both peaks and valleys along Hazels life journey. She and Elmer were thrilled to become grandparents, first to Sherry and later to Patrick. Spoiling their grandchildren in every way quickly became one of their most favorite things to do. In 1962, Hazels mother died and her father died just a few years later, on Christmas day in 1968. In 1976, Elmer died after a long illness, but Hazel drew strength from both her family and her faith during the days and weeks following his death. She continued to drink in the joy in each new day as well, often spending time with her family. Since Hazel loved wine, she liked taking trips to wine country in Traverse City with Kay and her granddaughter. She also spent winters in Texas with her companion, Jacob Raymond Meyers, and returned home during the summers. Hazel was honored to be present for the birth of her great-grandson, Josh, and to be the one who put on his first diaper. Along with her family, Hazel was devastated with the death of her grandson, Patrick, in 2008. All who knew Hazel All would agree that she was so much fun to be around. She didnt just live life, she embraced it in every sense of the word. Hazel wasnt afraid to work hard, but she knew how to have fun, too. She was gracious to those around her and made sure her friends and family knew how deeply they were loved. Life will never be the same now that Hazel is gone, but those who knew her will be forever grateful for having been blessed with such an extraordinary woman to love. Hazel I. All died on Friday, December 17, 2010. Hazels family includes her daughter, Kay (Edward) Meyers of Muskegon; granddaughter, Sherry Kramer of Muskegon; 2 great grandchildren, Joshua Casey-Kramer, Delaney Kramer; companion, Jacob Meyers of Muskegon. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer in 1976; grandson, Patrick Kramer; and brother, Peter McDonald. A service will be held on Thursday, December 23, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Julie Winklepleck officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visit with Hazels family and friends on Thursday, 1 hour prior to the service at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Noah Project.