It is with deep sorrow and much love that the family of Hazel Marie Philp mourns her peaceful passing at the age of 98 years.
Born in Cabri hospital in 1927 to Oscar and Mildred (Olson) Peterson. Hazel’s childhood was spent in the companionship of two wonderful sisters living in the Cabri and Pennant area. After completing grade twelve Hazel attended secretarial school in Swift Current. Afterward, she found employment in the office at the local horse plant.
Hazel met Jack Gardiner and they wed in 1948. Jack passed unexpectedly in 1964 leaving Hazel a single working mother of three teenagers and a six-year-old. She worked retail with the Pioneer Co-op advancing to a career in banking with Pioneer Co-op Credit Union. Many years later retirement found Hazel a loans officer with Western Savings, and Credit Union.
About the time her children were leaving home Hazel married Ron Philp, her loving husband of 42 years. Together they enjoyed wonderful winters in Arizona and particularly liked to camp at the Saskatchewan Landing and Cypress Hills.
Being community minded they volunteered with SC Broncos Hockey Hounds, Meals on Wheels, the SC Seniors Club, they also organized cribbage at the Fraternal Order of Eagles where they were members. Hazel was a long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #56. She was a very enthusiastic member of the Red Hat Grannies. Hazel and Ron worshipped at the United Church near their home for many years.
Time spent visiting and entertaining family and friends was of primary importance to Hazel. Grandma’s topped up cookie jar and lefse were always sought out. In her later years, evenings were spent with her special friends at the condo sharing an ice cream treat or a sip or two of wine while watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.
Hazel enjoyed flowers and gardening as well as reading. She was a keen cribbage player and did not miss a point to score her own hand while at the same time having tallied her opponent’s hand, a skill she retained right up to recent years. Hazel and Ron started each day with a game of crib.
Countless miles of various yarns slid through Hazel’s fingers as she passionately turned out knit and crochet projects such as afghans, toques, mitts and scarves.
All who knew Hazel marvelled at her sharp memory. She knew so very many people and remembered them, their families and connections. Hazel will be well remembered for her sweet smile and positive spirit.
Hazel is survived by her four children: Lance (Twyla) Gardiner, DeWayne Gardiner, Jackie Bestrop, and Tracy (Laura) Gardiner. She was the proud and loving grandmother to Shauna (Mike), Kristina, Kenton (Jody), Brett (Jaclyn), Jeff (Carly), Kristen, and Crystal (Robert). Hazel was the beloved great-grandmother to Tyler (Sarah), Cody (Jessica), Austin (Kayla), Kyle (Cassidy), Grace, Reno, Grady, Hadley, Blakely, Kelly (Matt), Taylor, Colby, Chelsea (Ben), Jillian (Brayden), and Caden. She was blessed with great-great-grandchildren Liam, Eva, Aubree, Lennie, Ledger, and Eleanor.
Hazel was predeceased by her parents, parents-in-law, spouses, Jack and Ron; son-in-law George; sister Agnes; brother-in-law Maurice Peltier; sister Vi; brother-in-law Garnet King; as well as many beloved extended family members, and friends.
Memorial donations in honour of Hazel’s life to the charity of one’s choice, or Herbert District Integrated Health Facility (PO Box 520, Herbert, SK S0H 2A0), are greatly appreciated by her family.
Arrangements entrusted to Warren’s Funeral Home. For further information please call 1-306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606, or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.