Lucinda "Pat" Hazen

Pat Hazen was a phenomenal woman who added much to the lives of others. She gave from her heart and held compassion for those less fortunate, all while sharing herself in a caring and loving way. A feisty redhead, Pat was a determined woman who always got the job done, one way or another. Having left her mark on the hearts of many, she will be dearly missed.

As the nation struggled through the worst year ever during the Great Depression, the U.S. jobless rate in 1933 touched over 15 million families. At the same time, great accomplishments were being made in the culture of America. FDR held his first “Fireside Chat” to boost the spirits of Americans while many looked to entertainment as a way of diverting their attention from the cloud of economic struggle. In Marcellus, Michigan, Russell and Grace (Becker) Gailhouse had much to focus their attention on as they joyfully welcomed the birth of a red headed baby girl they lovingly named Lucinda on Friday, October 13, 1933.

The third of eventually nine children in their bustling household, Lucinda grew up with older siblings Ellen and Russ, later welcoming Bob, Henry, Betty, Jerry, Jim, and Tom. At one point she was referred to as “Pat”, and the name stuck throughout most of her life. Raised in a home with a flurry of activity, Pat’s mother remained at home to look after the children while her father worked hard to support his large family as a carpenter and plumber. Times were lean and each family member pitched in to do their part. Pat especially helped out with her younger siblings, and attended the local schools where she enjoyed the friendships of many. A fun loving girl, Pat’s resolved and feisty nature was evident even from a young age.

Although Pat left school before actually graduating, it left a void in her life. With her determined spirit, she returned to her studies later in life and eventually graduated through an adult education program. Shortly after leaving school, Pat met and married a young man named Red Eberhard. They made a home together while remaining close to family in Marcellus. Pat suffered a devastating blow when she anticipated the joy of having twins who sadly died at birth. Longing for a child to call her own, she and Red later adopted their son Dick who brought Pat great joy. Although their marriage eventually ended in divorce, Pat was truly blessed and relished her role as a mother.

Another bright spot in Pat’s life came about when she met a wonderful young man named Charles Hazen on a blind date. The two dated for several years, and finding themselves in love, shared vows of marriage on August 1, 1964. Life for Pat took on new meaning as she lovingly took care of her son and made a good home for the two special men in her life. They moved to Barton Lake shortly after their marriage where they raised Dick and shared many fond and memorable times as a family. For a while, their niece Teri lived with Pat and Charlie and they treated her like a daughter. Pat absolutely loved living on the lake and it brought her great joy, but she especially enjoyed fishing there whenever she had the opportunity.

Pat worked at Shakespeare’s in Kalamazoo for a time and after they moved away from town she worked at a pharmacy, a clerk at a grocery and at a hardware store in Vicksburg. A nice lady, Pat possessed a caring sweetness in whatever she did. Even still, her family remained her foremost priority and she tended to them and their home with loving care. She was an excellent cook and made delicious meals for her family to enjoy. They also found pleasure in having friends and family over to their home on the lake where great times were shared by all. With her wit and great sense of humor, it was truly a joy to be in Pat’s company. Along with fishing, Pat simply just loved being outdoors. She also enjoyed turkey hunting with Charles and also took up the game of golf. An extremely giving person, Pat gave from her heart in all she did.

For several years Pat raised dogs while training them as service dogs to assist the blind. Active members in the VFW, she and Charlie volunteered their time often. They were devoted in making sure each Veteran’s grave was properly marked every Memorial Day, and Pat always sold poppies to help collect much needed funds to help disabled Vets. Avid fans of the Kalamazoo Wings, she and Charlie were some of the oldest season ticket holders and loved watching the action on the ice. As a collector of Beanie Babies, Pat every so often distributed them to other fans at the games. They threw them on the ice and were later donated to the local children’s hospital. Among many things they shared, Pat and Charlie were fond of traveling and visited the casinos as often as they could.

In 2004 Pat was hospitalized while suffering several health issues. On the day she was discharged from the hospital, she received the devastating news that her beloved son Dick had been diagnosed with cancer. His death on October 9, 2004 took a part of Pat with her. It proved to be an extremely difficult time for her, and she lost a certain zest in life that she once had. Over the next few years her health gradually declined even more, and at the age of 76, Pat sadly died at the Rose Arbor Hospice on Tuesday, April 27, 2010.

When Pat Hazen set her mind on something, her resolved and determined nature saw it through. A true redhead, she had the feisty attitude to go with it. She had the wonderful ability to blend those traits in all that she did. A good friend to many, she enjoyed life to the fullest all while showing heartfelt compassion and care towards others. A loving and caring person, Pat was a devoted wife, dedicated mother and wonderful sister and friend. The memory of her sweet spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved and cared about. She will be fondly missed and forever remembered.

Members of her family include her husband Charles; two brothers: Bob and his wife Jean of Marcellus and her brother Jim; several nieces and nephews. Besides her son, Pat was preceded in death by her other brothers and sisters. Learn more about Pat, visit with her family and friends, view her life story film and share light refreshments on Friday, 4-7 PM and on Saturday from 11-1 PM at Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg, 409 S. Main St. (649-1697). A celebration of her life will follow at 1:00 PM Saturday, My 1, 2010 at the funeral home. Please visit Pat’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can submit a favorite memory or photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to Hospice Care of SW Michigan or a charity of your choice.