HAZEL VELMA HOWDEN

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HAZEL VELMA HOWDEN With sadness, the family of Hazel Howden announces her passing June 17, 2005 at St. Boniface General Hospital at the age of 89. Hazel was born in Togo, SK on March 2, 1916. She and her family moved shortly to Kelwood, MB, where she lived until marrying her husband John Howden in 1940. A tomboy, Hazel's youth was dominated by sports such as baseball and tennis, and playing piano for dancehall bands at home and at Riding Mountain National Park, where her family had a cottage. After John enlisted in the Second World War, the couple lived at air force bases in Dauphin and Portage la Prairie where John was a flight instructor. It was during the war years that the couple welcomed their two daughters, first Heather (in 1941) and Jane (in 1945). In the years after the war, the couple moved to the Rural Municipality of St. Germaine where they built their own home. When that home was destroyed in the 1950 flood they rebuilt before moving to the Norwood Flats in the mid-1960s. In the early 1950s, Hazel and John were among the first cottagers to develop property at Twin Beaches, near St. Laurent. As with their home, the couple built the cottage themselves. During more than 40 years at Twin Beaches, Hazel could often be found scouring the beach in search of Indian arrowheads. Her collection, numbering in the hundreds, was incomparable, and was donated to the Museum of Man and Nature (now Manitoba Museum). In her late 50s, Hazel took up golf with the same enthusiasm she had earlier enjoyed tennis and badminton. In their retirement, Hazel and John enjoyed many winters in San Antonio golfing and visiting with new friends. Hazel and John celebrated more than 60 years together before John's death three years ago. A lifelong tennis fan, Hazel always knew who the top seeded pros were and would stay up into the wee hours to watch live broadcasts of the French Open or Wimbledon. Family members knew better than to phone her when there was tennis on television. In the past 20 years, Hazel suffered five heart attacks. On several occasions her family feared she would not survive, but she always rallied. Sadly, there would be no miracle recovery after her most recent visit to the hospital. Like most people, Hazel at times reflected both darkness and light. Sometimes cantankerous, she was also generous and caring, helping family whenever they needed a hand. She also donated regularly to a variety of causes, most notably the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation. Hazel was predeceased by her husband John and daughter Heather. She is survived by her daughter Jane (Ed) Tataryn, grandson Dean (Karen) Pritchard, brother-in-law Harold (Katie) Howden, and various nieces and nephews. Hazel will also be missed by the good friends she made at Catherine Place, where she lived for the past two years. Hazel's family extends thanks to the staff of Catherine Place for their kind care and attention during Hazel's final years. As per Hazel's wishes, no funeral service will be held. Cremation has taken place. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. Coutu Co. Funeral Directors 680 Archibald St. Winnipeg, MB 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 25, 2005