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The family of Crell Freda Bazen lovingly acknowledges her passing on November 10 in Hanford. She was 82 years old. Born in Long Beach on June 6,1930, Crell attended local schools and graduated from Central Union Elementary School and Lemoore High School with the class of 1948. She also earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Fresno State. She began her teaching career in the elementary grades in Stratford and then continued at Roosevelt School in Hanford for a total of 42 years. She had such a passion for working with young people and worked hard to ensure that they were all successful learners.
Crell had the opportunity to travel extensively to various parts of the world. One of her most memorable and talked about adventures was to view the Terra Cotta Warriors in China. She loved music and loved to attend opera and symphony performances, especially in San Francisco, but her greatest passion was serving on the Kings County Symphony Board and working to ensure that the symphony was able to continue locally by raising funds and soliciting memberships. Crell's favorite relaxing time at home was when she could pick up her knitting needles and create a beautiful project.
Above all, Crell felt most fulfilled when surrounded by her family and friends. Family gatherings for Thanksgiving at Evelyn's house were among her favorite times of the year when the entire family gathered for those fabulous dinners and then the evening always meant the traditional, raucous Bonco game. Also, each summer meant time spent in Morro Bay for "Sister's Weekend" where again the entire family spent time together. The evenings usually meant playing the domino game Chicken Foot which Crell loved dearly.
Crell is survived by her sister Dorothy Hammond and her husband Bob of Calimesa, Evelyn Davison and her husband Karl of Lemoore and her brother-in-law Don Willsey of Lindsay. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews Robin Carmon and husband Jeff of Bloomington, Greg Hammond and wife Marie of Vacaville, Jason Hammond and wife Deborah of Woodland, Jill Willsey of Bakersfield, Dawna Willsey of Burbank and Wendy Dever and husband Jim of Anaheim. She is also survived by great nieces and nephews David Hammond, Brian Hammond, Christiana Harper and Taylor Rogers.
She was predeceased by her parents Lee and Freda Bazen, long-time Lemoore residents, her sister Phyllis Willsey, her nephew Blaine Hammond, her nephew Jeffrey Davison and her companion Tom Chesnut.
The family would like to acknowledge Crell's long-time neighbor, Judy, for her friendship and help through the years. Thank you also to the staff at Hacienda Rehabilitation Hospital for their loving care.
At Crell's request there will be no services. Remembrances, in Crell's name, may be sent to Kings County Symphony Orchestra, P.O. Box 943, Hanford, California 93232-0943. Arrangements are by Phipps-Dale Funeral Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Crell was a wonderful, sweet woman. I had the great pleasure of knowing her over these past few years as we both served on the Kings Symphony board. My dad and I would visit her at the nursing home and play duets for her. Crell's eyes would get such a sparkle! I wish she could have made it to the symphony's 50th season. She will be very, very missed. My most heartfelt condolences to her family.
Emily Navarre
November 26, 2012
Condolence to the family of Mrs. Crell Freda Bazen. Visit the Rest homes once a week and meet her on one of my visits..She told me about her being in the Kings County Symphony Orchestra .Told her my Father-in-law was also in it and played a violin,She said she remember him.My Wife's name is Freda so they probably talked about that.She will be Dearly missed by all. Cowboy Dave WITH THE BIG BLACK HAT.
November 19, 2012
To the family of Crell Freda Bazen: I too graduated in Crell's class of 1948. Crell is remembered by me as a quiet, unassuming young lady, and her penmanship was beautiful. It was so wonderful to read of her accomplishments throughout her life. It was gratifying to read of her travels. My condolences to Crell's surviving family. Most sincerely, LaVerne Azevedo Sullivan.
LaVerne Azevedo Sullivan
November 16, 2012
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