Obituary of Hazel Hallifax

August 22, 1927 – Jasper, Alberta

November 20, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

The family of Hazel Hallifax is saddened to announce her passing on Sunday, November 20, 2022, in Calgary, AB, at the age of 95 years. While she will be missed by family, we are at peace knowing that she has found ultimate healing in the arms of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

Hazel was born in Jasper, AB, August 22, 1927, where she joined her family of four siblings, Joyce, John, Barbara, and Brenda. Having sailed from Southampton, England, the year before, her family found the harsh climate of the Alberta Rockies to be a challenge, and so, three years later, moved to warmer weather near Cloverdale, British Columbia.  In 1934, Hazel’s mother returned to England with her five children, to be close to extended family. It was there that another brother, Patrick, joined the family.

In May 1957, Hazel’s sense of adventure, and love for the rugged peaks where she was born, brought her back to Canada. She sailed from Southampton to New York, then on to Calgary, AB, where she settled and lived the rest of her adult life.

An avid gardener and nature lover, Hazel spent her summers in her garden, where she delighted in attracting local birds and other wildlife and cultivating beautiful flowerbeds. She was a faithful attendee of the Calgary Stampede and enjoyed camping with family. In the winters, she would ski the Rockies with family and friends, preferring the lifestyle of the youth hostels over hotels. Hazel showed a great natural musical talent and family would love to listen to her play the piano where she truly “tickled the ivories”, with or without sheet music. Her creativity was also evident in her sketches, paintings, and calligraphy.

Hazel is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Hallifax, and numerous nephews, nieces, and their families. She is predeceased by her parents Walter and Margaret Hallifax; her brothers, John and Patrick; and her sisters, Joyce, Barbara, and Brenda.

A Private Service will be held by her family in England. We invite those who knew her to leave their comments and sentiments here.  If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada, 20 Hopewell Way NE, Calgary. Ph: (403) 219-2300.  

In living memory of Hazel Hallifax, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.