Obituary - Hazel Sullivan

Beloved mother and grandmother Hazel Sullivan, 92, died on Oct. 23 of natural causes at Marias Medical Center in Shelby.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016, at Faith Lutheran Church.

Arrangements are in the care of O'Connor Funeral Home.

Hazel was born to 

Norwegian immigrants Otto and Lena (nee Fredrickson) Landsverk March 4, 1924. She grew up on the family farm north of Turner just a few miles from the Canadian border.  The family had a home in town where they lived when winter weather prevented them from traveling from the farm to the school in Turner. The teachers often boarded with them and tutored Hazel outside of the classroom, and because she was so bright, she skipped two grades. Hazel graduated from Turner High School in 1940 at the age of 16.

After high school, Hazel attended college in Minneapolis and worked as a secretary there before coming home to Turner.

July 10, 1947, Hazel married Neil Sullivan in a small family ceremony in Great Falls. Neil and Hazel settled for a time in Havre where they were blessed with a son, Mike. They made their home in Great Falls, where their second son, Gary was born. Hazel and Neil were married for 39 years before his death in 1986.

Hazel loved Neil all of her life. After his death she volunteered at the Faith Lutheran Church, the senior citizens center and area hospitals. She visited the sick and lonely delivering food, playing cards and reading to those in need. Hazel adored her grandchildren, traveling around Montana and the country to see them play sports, sing and preform. She passed on a love of reading and Scrabble and a strong faith to her children and grandchildren.

In 1994 Hazel fulfilled a lifelong dream when she traveled to Norway with her niece Barb. They visited the hometowns of her father and mother. It was the trip of a lifetime. Hazel stayed in touch with the cousins she meet and spoke often of the amazing things she saw.

In 2003 Hazel moved into Cambridge Court where she lived next door to her best friend for many years. They enjoyed playing cards, exchanging books and dining together. In 2009 Hazel moved to Marias Heritage Center so she could be closer to family. Hazel had a surprise 90th birthday party with family traveling from California, Colorado and throughout Montana. She continued to read, play cards and win at Scrabble well into her 90s.

Hazel's kindness and gentle spirt inspired many and endeared her to those she met until the end. She was known for her grace and character. She was a true lady.

Hazel was survived by her sons, Mike Sullivan of Cut Bank and Gary Sullivan of California; grandchildren, Thom (Mellisa) Sullivan of Carlsbad, California, Angella (Scott) Schroller of Erie, Colorado, Anna (Henry) Schafer of Lincoln, Nebraska, Sandra (Steve) Dogiakos of Choteau, and Andrew Sullivan of Pueblo West, Colorado; great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Ashley and Leighanna Schroller, Trevor Sullivan, and Keely, Payge and Henry Schafer. She is also survived by her beloved nieces, Barbara Langworthy of San Jose, California, and Sue Landsverk of Havre. 

Hazel was preceded in death by her husband; brothers, Harold and Kenneth Landsverk; and sister, Violet Barlow.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Sons of Norway, 1314 7th St. South, Great Falls, MT 59405.