Obituary of Hazel GUNN

May 1, 1933 – Alix, Alberta
May 31, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Hazel Irene Gunn of Edmonton, AB, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 31, 2021 at the age of 88 years in Calgary, AB to be with her Lord and Savior.

Hazel was born in Alix, AB on May 1, 1933 to Merrill and Gertrude Gillis. At the age of five she moved to Edmonton and four years later her parents bought the Evergreen Supply Store on the Fort Trail. This is where she grew up and as she said “had a very happy childhood.” Many memories were made with her long-time friend Kathleen Hesselink (nee Ebbers). They have remained lifelong friends to this day. Hazel always shared fantastic stories of sitting around the coal burning stove “gabbing” with the neighbors sitting on wooden crates. It was here that she began to learn the value of people and relationships with them. She pumped gas and changed oil like a hired hand. During these years Hazel practiced piano and was able to obtain her Royal Conservatory ARCT Certificate.

On October 15, 1954 Hazel married Peter Michael Gunn. Although their lifestyle and backgrounds were totally different, their humor, love and her faith kept them together. They spent many happy years in Sun City, Arizona upon Pete’s retirement from the Edmonton Fire Department. Hazel even took up golf and really enjoyed it.
The love of Hazel’s life was leading ladies Bible study groups for hurting single and divorced women. Because of the hardships she had experienced in her own life she was able to relate. Hazel not only provided them solid theological teaching but offered many hours of listening support, sound advice and above all else, love they could count on. Many remained friends with Hazel to this day.

Hazel’s legacy of kindness, humor and wisdom are attributes she has left for us to pass around. We will all miss her in different ways. She was like a mother to Christy and Brody after their mother passed away. We take solace in knowing she is present with the Lord and with loved ones in heaven.

Hazel is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Linda  and Ken Thiessen of Calgary; three grandchildren, Christy Gunn (Ryan Bradley) of Vancouver, Brody Gunn (Sasha Tanche) of Beaumont, AB and Nathan (Elizabeth) Thiessen of Laurel, Montana. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Sofia, Olivya, Abygail Tanche-Gunn and Kenny, Kaden and Erik Thiessen. She was predeceased by her husband Peter Gunn in 1994, son Peter David Gunn in 2006 and daughter-in-law Jackie Gunn in 1987.

A Private Graveside Service will be held in Edmonton, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos can be shared at www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Hazel’s Life will be held at a later date in Edmonton, Alberta. Please email kenthiessen7@gmail.com if you wish to be informed of the date and location. 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Hope City Church, 2225 66 Street N.W., Edmonton, AB T6K 4E6, Telephone: (780) 462-1515, https://hopecity.ca/give/ or the Edmonton Women’s Shelter, PO Box 20088 RPO Beverly, Edmonton, AB T5W 5E6, Telephone: (780) 471-6709, https://winhouse.org/how-to-help/donate/. 

Our deepest appreciation goes to the staff of Shepherd’s Care in Edmonton and Walden Heights in Calgary who cared for her with humanity and skill.

In living memory of Hazel Gunn, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.