Obituary of Hazel Helen (Albert) Drakes
Hazel Helen (Albert) Drakes of Red Deer passed away peacefully at Taylor View Towers on December 15, 2024, at the age of 88.
Hazel was born in Condor, Alberta April 20, 1936, to John Raymond and Alma Lilian Albert. She is survived by her children; Timothy Sveinson (Connie) of Cold Lake; Deborah Kirkham (Allen) of Airdrie; Jenny Fleming (James) of Medicine Hat; Patricia Saurey (Brent) of Rexburg, Idaho; David Sveinson (Sherry) of Chestermere; and Trina Bailey (Ron) of Red Deer. Hazel is also survived by 26 grandchildren and 65 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her close friend Alfred Morrish, her parents: Raymond and Alma Alberta, brother Charles Albert and sister Rita Shepherd as well as her two former husbands, Lloyd Sveinson and Elson Drakes.
Hazel was a friend to many people and always quick to help wherever she could. It was very common for Hazel to cut and/or perm hair, help injured animals, make food for others, sew or fix outfits, and visit someone who needed a friend. Hazel was well known for her thousands of baby toques she crocheted. She would then donate them to multiple hospitals for premature babies. Hazel also ensured that a baby quilt was made and given to each grandchild and great grandchild. She enjoyed crafts of any kind; sewing, knitting, crocheting, needle work, painting, woodwork etc. In her later years she began making bookmarks from cards she received and loved. She would cut, glue and hole punch them, then crochet around the edges. Each bookmark was a significant amount of work and in the end, she completed hundreds that she gifted to others.
Hazel always took pride in her appearance, she almost always had her hair done, would wear jewelry and dress well. Throughout Hazel's life, she worked at various jobs outside the home; such as the Co-op, IGA, and Drive In Movie Theatre. Hazel’s number one job, however, was always her family. She ensured meals were made, the home was tidy, kids were clean and properly clothed and on special days she always ensured at least a card or phone call was made, and often gave a gift. Hazel was an excellent teacher to all her children, each one learned how to cook, clean, and be independent. One of Hazel’s dreams was to have her adult girls (daughters) be close to one another, so a tradition began for a “Girls Getaway”. Every 2 years the “Girls” would head out for some adventure, fun bonding and silliness together for a few days creating long lasting memories and experiences together. This was an event that Hazel looked forward to and planned well in advance as she could hardly wait, then would talk about it until the next one happened. Hazel enjoyed many pastimes throughout her life, some of which were gardening, walking, photography (of anything that caught her eye, such as hoar frost, flowers - thousands of flowers! people, birds, and animals), collecting anything to do with the Royal Family, traveling, singing, reading and dancing. Oh, how she loved to dance and often would tell the story of how she and her partner were asked if they would like to go professional! Hazel loved the outdoors, camping and going for a drive to see the changing colors, lakes, trees and mountains. Hazel was never afraid to be silly, was quick with her wit and loved a good laugh! Hazel enjoyed many sports and games such as curling, bridge, crib, bowling, Yahtzee, and baseball. Hazel played in a bowling league, on a curling team and a softball team. When Hazel was younger, she played on a softball team where she was well liked, and she even earned the special name of “Lightning”! This was not due to her speed, however, it was due to all the effort she put into her run. No matter how hard she tried though, the best she could do with her big effort was a “slow run”. Hazel was a good sport and would laugh as she told her story.
Hazel never gave up on her dreams, she always worked hard and did what she could to make them come true. A great example of this is when she was in her 50’s she enrolled at Red Deer College and completed her high school diploma as the oldest student in the program! She would make friendships quickly and always saw their value. She touched the hearts of many and left those she knew with a feeling of being cared about. Hazel consciously chose happiness in life despite challenges she faced and was always happy with what she had, never spiteful, jealous or wanting. Hazel had a few favorite sayings she modeled her life after: “There’s no sense in crying over spilled milk”, “There’s no sense in complaining, just do something about it” and “Being bored is a waste of time” Hazel was an example of goodness, positivity, gentleness, kindness and love. Hazel loved deeply and in return was loved deeply back and will be greatly missed by so many.
Rest in Peace our Dear Sweet Mother.
A Celebration of Life will be held on April 23, 2025, at the Royal Canadian Legion - 4916 50 Ave, Sylvan Lake, Alberta from 2-3pm with a tea to follow. The family welcomes anyone who would like to share in the celebration to join them at this time.
There will be a private family graveside gathering prior to the Celebration of Life at Lakeview Cemetery, in Sylvan Lake, Alberta
In lieu of flowers, donations in Hazel's name can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, The Heart and Stroke Foundation or to Alzheimer Dementia Research.
Messages for Hazel’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Hazel Drakes” in the subject line.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944