Hazel E. (Griffith) Harry

Hazel Elaine Harry, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on August 4th, Sunday, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and boundless generosity. Hazel was a woman whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of everyone she met.

For over five decades, Hazel inspired and captivated hearts as a storyteller and Sunday School teacher, guiding and nurturing the faith of countless individuals from preschoolers to adults. Her gift for storytelling and her unwavering devotion made her a beloved lady in her community.

Hazel's creativity extended beyond the classroom. It was her daughter, Dianne, who introduced her to the art of crocheting during Dianne's 7th grade year. Hazel embraced this new skill with all her heart, creating between 105 and 120 lovingly crafted Afghans for family, friends, therapists, and nurses. Her last Afghan, a testament to her caring spirit, was in progress when she departed this world.

Her commitment to kindness was further evident through her Cookie Ministry, which she spearheaded for five years, warmly welcoming first-time visitors to her church with homemade treats and heartfelt hospitality.

Hazel's professional journey began in 1972 with the Crawford Central (Meadville School District) cafeteria, where she dedicated herself for over three decades. Rising to the position of Head Cook in 1986 and later managing the Bakery Department, Hazel's culinary skills and nurturing demeanor made her a beloved figure in the school community until her retirement in 2004.

Hazel shared a deep and enduring love with her husband, Lyle. Their marriage, a testament to their unwavering commitment, spanned over 63 years. Lyle’s daily rituals of calling Hazel with loving greetings and preparing her favorite deviled eggs were expressions of a love that endured through all of life’s trials. During the challenging times of COVID, Lyle’s devotion shone brightly as he stood outside Hazel’s window to share daily conversations through a telephone while viewing each other through the window, ensuring she always felt loved and remembered.

Together, Lyle and Hazel created many cherished memories, especially through their shared passion for camping and fishing for Walleye at Pymatuning, where Hazel’s cooking transformed their catches into treasured meals.

Hazel is survived by her beloved husband, Lyle, her loving daughter, Dianne DeLauder and her husband Mike, and her son, Lyle Glenn Harry Jr. and his wife Gina. Her legacy continues through her adoring grandchildren, Ashley Walton (and her husband Tyler) and Joshua DeLauder (and his wife Audrey), and her great-grandchildren, Alex, Nicholas, and Christopher Walton, and Annalise and Gracie DeLauder.

As we remember Hazel, we celebrate a life filled with love, laughter, and an unyielding spirit of kindness. Her stories, her Afghans, her daily acts of love, and deep devotion to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will forever remain in our hearts. May her memory be a blessing and a reminder of the beauty that one life, lived with such grace and devotion, can bring to the world.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Robert L. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 3223 Perry Hwy., Sheakleyville, with Pastor Corey Norman, officiating. A visitation will be held Thursday  August 8 , 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM  and Friday 10:00 AM to 11:00  AM  time of service at the funeral home.

Memorial tributes may be made to the funeral home to assist the family financially.  Donations may be made by using the donate tab above.

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