Obituary of Hazel G Ord
Known as mom, gram, mom mom, Aunt Hazel and friend, Hazel Gertrude Ord was reunited with a lifetime of family and friends who have gone on before her. Born December 1, 1913 in Vandergrift, PA, she peacefully passed away at her home in Tidioute, PA on August 25, 2019. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons gathered during her 105 years of life. She taught us that life is a precious gift regardless of the curveballs, and to fight through adversity with our chins up. We developed an acquired hankering for an occasional, slightly burnt peanut butter cookie. And as children, learned that the ever-present (but never used) flyswatter that rested visibly in her lap ensured that our dinner plates were always cleaned.
Mom was a lady of quiet strength who gracefully endured much throughout her life. Gram's faith in God and love of her church were unshakeable. Mom mom was a good cook, an excellent baker of cookies and angel food cakes, and a crocheter of amazing afghans. Aunt Hazel was quick-witted, a dangerous card player and a skillful worker of crossword puzzles. And Hazel was a very good and loyal friend, who always prepared a home-cooked meal for you if you stopped by for a visit.
Hazel was a mainstay in the Tidioute Presbyterian Church choir, loved a splendid play or musical and enjoyed bus rides with the ladies from town. She was the first resident of the Tidioute Towers, moving in on March 1, 1981. Her life was her family and she was quite often found at wiener roasts at her cottage along the Allegheny River. She loved watching Billy Graham, Lawrence Welk and Johnny Carson. Hair brushes were never allowed on the kitchen table – ever! And if the weather was bad…oh well, there’s nothing that can be done about it but enjoy the day. Once asked about the secret to her longevity, she replied with one word – “walking.” She walked everywhere.
Adored by her family, she leaves behind a daughter Barb (Duane) Downey of Grand Valley, a son David (Bonnie) Ord of Monroe, Michigan, a sister Loretta Herr of Pinellas Park, FL, a daughter-in-law Lynda Graves, 15 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 20 great great grandchildren. Imagine living to meet four generations of descendants!
In passing, she is reunited with her husband Harry Ord, daughter Antha Graves, grandson Michael Downey, her parents, two brothers and a sister. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tidioute Presbyterian Church, 196 Main St, Tidioute, PA 16351.
Family and friends may attend a memorial service on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 1 PM at the Tidioute First Presbyterian Church with pastor Dennis Ledebur, officiating.
Inurnment will be at Jefferson Memorial Cemetery.
