Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Hazel Lovelace Obituary
A celebration of life was held April 11. Burial will take place later this spring at St. Angelus Cemetery in Anchorage.
Hazel was born April 4, 1935, in Carcross, Yukon, Canada to Lucy and Johnnie Johns.
She was proud of being a full-blooded Tlingit.
She became a member of the Baha'i faith in 1962 and her destiny was set in motion with that decision. As a travel teacher of the Baha'i faith, Hazel traveled to more than 50 villages in Alaska, numerous Native American reservations in Canada and the United States, and 30 countries around the world. She was especially proud of being "adopted" by the Maori people of New Zealand.
Hazel loved to play bingo when she was home from her travels and formed many friendships over the years with fellow players. In spite of the crippling and painful effects of Parkinson's disease, she never lost her faith in God's plan; her spirit was steadfast and her heart radiant in surrender to what was.
She was enormously proud of her three daughters, Shirley Jarrett, Kelly Whittaker and Robin Lovelace-Smith of Anchorage, and her son, Bernie Calford of Canada.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Art Lovelace. In addition to her children and husband, she will be missed by her sons-in-law, Darren Lovelace-Smith and James Jarrett; Kelly's fiance, Kehl McCarl; daughter-in-law, Julie Calford; grandchildren, Josh and Amanda Calford, Barry Lovelace, Andrea and Collette Kawagley, Natasia Lovelace-Smith, Taku Lovelace-Smith, Jake Lovelace-Smith, Adam Stroh, Cody Stroh and Ian Whittaker, and granddaughter, Chelsea Stroh, her caregiver who made it possible for Hazel to stay in the home she loved. Her surviving siblings are Art, Ada, Bill, Charlie, Jerry and Victor.
Hazel was predeceased by her mother and father; sisters, Florence and Irene; and brothers, Red, Ronnie and Roy.
Hazel made an indelible impression on those around her and she will be mourned by her family, the Baha'i community and numerous friends throughout the world.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hazel Lovelace
Sponsored by Kelly Whittaker.
August 22, 2024
Andrew M Paul. Chapel Island First Nayion, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
Doug Haines
January 22, 2024
Your memory and influence remain alive in New Zealand. A Maori Baha'i youth spoke of you with gratitude as he showed me a video of his grandmother singing Bahá'í songs. So much love. Such a gift.
Huti Watson
April 19, 2023
Hazel every 9 dayer we hold the story of your coming to Aotearoa Nee Zealand is told. We haven't forgotten the legacy you left here among the Maori Baha'is of Aotearoa. Prayers offered for your illumined soul always.
Stephen Bedingfield
March 20, 2020
We only learned today, Naw-Ruz 177, of Hazel's passing! This dear soul came to Cambridge Bay in the Canadian Arctic in around 1989 as part of a teaching effort. Prayers for the progress of her bright soul!
Jeanne Misha Carter
April 25, 2019
So many beautiful memories my dear friend. Thank you for your smile, soul, and truth. You are in my always prayers. Love you.
Claire McGrail
April 18, 2019
Your memory helps the candles of our hearts burn brighter. Lots of aroha/love and prayers to you and your dear family.
Arthur Lovelace
April 17, 2019
Miss you every day.
Arthur Lovelace
July 31, 2018
Love you and miss you every day
Art Lovelace
July 15, 2017
Still love you more than I can say.
December 7, 2016
Think of you and miss you every day
Thalia Borgen
May 4, 2016
Hazel is my spiritual mother. I came with a confused mind to her with questions. She closed her eyes, prayed and said the right words that opened my heart, at that fateful Powow of 1985. She did not see the whiteness of my skin, but a kindred human. Hers forever grateful Thalia
Art Lovelace
September 21, 2015
Hazel, Was going thru some old letters and paperwork and found a photo of you a couple months before your passing. You were still the beautiful I married so many years ago. Think of you and miss you every day. Love you, Art
Claire McGrail (nee Franklin)
September 20, 2015
Dear Hazel, you are often remembered by the friends in New Zealand. Just today we had a Maori hui and you were graciously remembered for the teaching work you did here. So many wonderful memories. Love you deeply. Allah'u'Abha!
Art Lovelace
November 4, 2013
Hazel, Joy sends her love. She visited the Native Heritage museum in Sitka this summer and said she felt surrounded by your love and was blown away by the beauty of theTlinget cultural artifacts.. Miss you and think of you every day. Take care, Love, Art
April 4, 2013
Hi mom! Today would have been your birthday and I've had you on my mind all day (but then, you are never far from my thoughts). Chelsea, Natasia and Crystal came to Gold Cache to play since it's now a tradition to go on your birthday. They had a wonderful time and I had a wonderful time having them there! I miss and love you! ~Kelly
April 3, 2013
Happy Birthday, Hazel. Don't know about birthdays in the Abha Kingdom but it' s your birthday here on earth. Going to sing happy birthday to you, say a prayer for your spiritual progress and remember my beautiful Baha'i wife. Art
April 1, 2013
Remembering you on the 7th and always Hazel, from your Maori family in New Zeaand. We love you. Huti Danny and whanau.
Art Lovelace
July 21, 2012
Think of you often. Miss your counsel and playing cribbage. I know that you are enjoying your new found freedom and encountering new spiritual challenges. Love you.
July 20, 2012
I caught myself singing your song today and thought to myself, mom must be here! I love you mom, you are always in my heart and thoughts...Kelly
Kelly Whittaker
March 16, 2012
There are times when I just miss you, I miss seeing your eyes light up when you see me coming through your door for a visit. I miss sitting next to you on the couch, holding hands as we watch tv together. I miss confiding in you. I miss hearing stories of your life, the people you've known, the places you have been, the triumphs and the heartbreaks. I miss the sound of your voice and the way your laughter has always had the ability to bring a smile to my face. I love you mom, forever in my heart and prayers...Kelly
Paul Bennett
November 19, 2011
God Bless you Hazel . When you came to New Zealand and worked with us maori's , our lives were changed for ever , mine certainly was , and I will treasure that enlightenment that you enabled for me .Love to you in your new condition . Thank you Hazel.
Dianne L. Savage
November 13, 2011
Dearest Lovelace Family: Each time I think of Art and Hazel: I am always filled with love, care from you both: As a youth in West Sac, is where I met you, briefly; but the briefness became a MOST significant part of my life to this day. Love, light and fondness to your family dearest Hazel from the daughter of Joe Savage.
My Family because of Hazel's love for Baha'u'llah.
Andrew Paul
August 28, 2011
My sincerest condolences to the family of this great women. Ni'nen ut L'nuekati teluwisik Unama'ki, iapjiw mukwitelmatesnen Hazel aq ta'n teli Mekitelmamel ut jiniml teluisit Baha'u'llah. (We of the Micmac Nation will always remember Hazel and her undying loyalty to Baha'u'llah.) Thank you for all your efforts. - Andrew Michael Paul - Chapel Island/Eskasoni First Nations, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
The "Army of Light" in Montana 1972
Gerry Lew
July 21, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the family. Hazel will be surely greeted with loving arms from the Concourse on High. She is a special angel that will continue to be a guiding light to all in this world and the next. I am thankful for the time I spent with her travel teaching in the early 70's and catching up with her again in Aotearoa (New Zealand) in 1998.
July 21, 2011
Thankyou Hazel for bringing the Bahai teaching program to New Zealand. Your gift to us was at such a deep level that I, and many others have been changed forever. Your example has inspired me and given me something to strive for. Arohanui Toku Hoa from Sam Te Tau
Jeanne Misha Carter
July 13, 2011
Hazel...what a beautiful soul. I was just told of her passing and while sad my spirit cannot help but to be very, very happy that a reunion in the Abha Kingdom has taken place that rivals the best of the best. I learned so much from Hazel and will continue to pray and remember her for as long as I live. My thoughts and love are with you Kelly, Robin, Shirley, Art, and the rest of the family and friends. Much love!
Kelly Whittaker
May 9, 2011
It was our first Mother's Day without you mom, I miss you. I am peaceful in the knowledge you are in a better place and we will meet again. You are in my prayers and in my heart, always, I love you mom...
Kelly Whittaker
May 9, 2011
It's our first Mother's Day without you mom. I miss you but I'm peaceful in the knowledge you are in a better place. You are in my heart, always...I love you!
Adele Guyer
April 27, 2011
I am sorry for your loss. I met Hazel during her travels and mine. I visited her in Anchorage once. She was a joy to be around.
Charlene Baker
April 25, 2011
I loved Hazel's stories and travelled all the way to Anchorage just to hear them. My condolences go out to all the family.
Annette Erickson
April 25, 2011
I wish I had met you Kelly's mom. I know you were fabulous, because you brought my friend up to be such a great person. Quyanna for you and your life!
Sherry Ipalook/Stubblefield
April 25, 2011
Hazel was a beautiful woman. Her legacy is passed to her children and grandchildren. Hazel, you did a wonderful job. Rest in Peace, little lady.
Carolyn George
April 24, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to the family she has left behind may her smile live long in your hearts and her love touch you in certain aspects that life brings when you least expect it!
Randy Johnson
April 24, 2011
Our heartfelt condolences to the Family of Hazel Lovelace. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Hazel had such a loving and dynamic personality, so loving and accepting of everyone.
We were all greatly saddened when we heard of the passing of this wonderful lady. She has touched so many lives. We thank you all for having shared her with all of us.
We smile and are happy knowing that she is in another realm and out of pain, she is on the other side now watching over us all and helping in the Abha Kingdom!
YA' BAHA'U'ABHA!
Much Baha'i Love from the Johnson Clan
Bill & Mona Johnson,
Kevin & David
Randy & Rhea, Cory, Leana, Cyle & Cameron.
Linda Fling
April 23, 2011
I will miss your smiling face. My condolenes to the family.
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
Make a Donation
in Hazel Lovelace's name
Memorial Events
for Hazel Lovelace
How to support Hazel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Hazel Lovelace's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
