Born in Bentinck Township February 10, 1930. Died November 6, 2016 Guelph. Hazel died peacefully after a lengthy illness with her loving children by her side. Survived by her son Larry Banks and daughter Cheryl Banks (Allan Goudie), one brother Gordon Hopkins (Betty), nieces and nephews; Leroy Hopkins, Brad Hopkins, Joyce Kirkup, Janette Kaufman, Linda Cornelius, Herb Hopkins, Greg Hopkins and Laverne Hopkins. Hazel was Grandma Hazel to Tara Virgoe and John Goudie, and Great Grandma to Cheysa Goudie. Predeceased by her first husband Ray Banks (1957) and her second husband Bud Wilson (1995).
Hazel had a successful teaching career that began at age 17 and spanned nearly 35 years. Widowed at 27, she raised her two children while teaching full time. She began university correspondence courses in the 1960s and graduated from WLU in 1971 at the same convocation as her daughter. After retirement, Hazel enjoyed having lots of time to be with her family. She travelled, was a member of the West End Women’s Institute, president of Guelph Wellington Retired Women Teachers and developed an interest in bridge and square dancing. Many thanks to the staff of the Ellington and 4 West at the Guelph General Hospital for all your kindness shown towards Hazel in her last days.
Friends will be received at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9.m. Funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Thursday, October 10, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Wall-Custance Family Reception Centre. Interment Ebenezer Cemetery. Memorial contributions to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada or Sleeping Children Around the World would be appreciated.
A tree will be planted in memory of Hazel Wilson in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest, University of Guelph Arboretum. Dedication service, Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 2:30 pm.