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Hazel Sturm Obituary

1942-2014 Hazel Sturm passed away suddenly on 02-13-14 at the age of 71. She was born in Natural Bridge, Virginia on 11-10-42 and died in Fair Oaks, California. She spent most of her career with the Contra Costa Convention and Visitors Bureau as President/CEO. She formed the Bureau as a spin-off of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce in 1979 and left in 2004 after a very successful 25 years. She was active on many board of directors as well as being a proud Rotarian. Being the first female president of California Society of Association Executives was one of her many accomplishments. Hazel was well know and respected not only in Contra Costa county but also in the hospitality industry throughtout the state. She is survived by her daughter, Cathy Koch and her son-in-law Dr. Rob Koch; sister Helen Greer;brother Tom Stalcup;preceded in death by brother Jack Stacup;half sister Shirley;half brother David. Also survived by her ex husband David Sturm to whom she remained great friends. Hazel will be missed by many, many freinds and her beloved cat Sabrina. She enjoyed golf and was an avid reader. The East Bay area held a special place in her heart. A celebration of her life will be held at the Hilton Concord, 1970 Diamond Blvd. Concord, CA 94520. Details to follow. Remembrances may be made to the SPCA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sacramento Bee on Feb. 20, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Hazel Sturm

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Jennifer "Bittle" Hill "JB"

May 28, 2014

Sadly, I've just learned of Hazel's passing. I worked for the CVB in Concord back in the 90's and loved being the Sales Manager! What wonderful memories I have of her and what she taught me within the industry. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Hope there are cats in Heaven!

March 6, 2014

Dear Haz, I will miss your wonderful sense of humor, your beautiful smile, and our comfortable conversations. Thank you for your loyal, caring friendship through all the years. I'll see you later. Love, Faye

Patricia Arnlund

March 6, 2014

I met Hazel in 1986 when I first started working for the Concord Chamber of Commerce. She held a special place in my heart & she will be truly missed. I just moved back to Fair Oaks, CA a month ago & Hazel was one of the people I wanted to reconnect with. I would consider it a privilege for be part of any memorial celebration. Email is [email protected] Please keep me posted.

Alex Ozuna

February 27, 2014

Hazel was truly a wonderful person that was dependable if you asked her for help. In the 25 years with the Bureau, she generated a lot of revenue for Concord and the County. Working with her at the Bureau as the CEO was a tremendous learning experience in the hospitality business. More importantly, she a true friend not only to me but also to my family. We will miss her dearly. Love you Hazel.

Darren Pleasance

February 24, 2014

Really sorry to hear of Hazel's passing. She was such a wonderful person and an important part of my life in my teenage years in Livermore. Your great contributions continue on, Hazel... Darren

February 23, 2014

I remember Hazel from classes taken with her at Kenwood. My sympatly to her family.
Marge (Glebus) Isella

Margie Mentz

February 22, 2014

A beautiful lady with style, charm and a sense of humor. It was always a pleasure to run into you and your positive energy. RIP Sweet Lady.

Carol (Peden) Michael

February 22, 2014

Unfortunately, I haven't seen Hazel since we graduated from High School. I do remember her as a sweet young lady. My prayers are with her family.

Richard Boehm

February 22, 2014

So sad to hear of one of our Bluebirds passing. RIP Hazel. Richard Class of '61

Hazel's High School Grad photo!

February 22, 2014

Carol Massier

February 22, 2014

We had so much fun Hazel, good Chardonnay, lots of gossip, Good times, I will miss you.

February 22, 2014

The classmates from Kenwood Senior High School, Class of 1961 remember Hazel fondly. It was our pleasure to spend time with her at our 50th reunion, October 2011. We send our condolences to her family. Photo was taken at KHS 50th reunion October 2011

Penny Tingey

February 21, 2014

Hazel was a beautiful lady, inside and out. She is one of the most charming people I've ever had the pleasure of working (and playing) with. Rest in peace pretty lady.

Susan Tse

February 20, 2014

Known for your style, grace, and joie de vivre, you will remain in our hearts with your beautiful smile and your snappy comebacks, Miss Hazel!

Nina

February 20, 2014

Hazel was such a wonderful person. She will be missed but always remembered.

Betsy Olson

February 20, 2014

Hazel was a dear friend for some 24 years. We met when I managed a hotel in Concord. She was spirited, sassy which made it easy to be great friends. In the women's world, we were both climbing ladders for many years. We both loved golf, but she was the better at it by far and we played twice a week. I look back fondly and with love and appreciation for her support, as well as our long conversations by phone after I left the area. Peace be with you and your family. One of a kind.

Lia Champathong

February 20, 2014

You are a true women of style, grace, and impeccable charm! I loved being one of your favorites and will always cherish the "fabulous girl-talk" we shared! <3

February 20, 2014

the russell family expresses their condolences renny russell

Becky Wagner

February 20, 2014

I'll miss you dear Hazel. Thanks for all of the laughs.

Matt Hohenstreet

February 20, 2014

Hazel was such a beautiful person. Such an amazing individual who I'm honored to have met and spent time with. Rest in Peace sweet angel..... You'll be missed!

Julie DiMaggio Enea

February 20, 2014

I met Hazel in the mid 1980s in her role as CEO of the Concord Convention and Visitors' Bureau. What an inspiration she was to the newbie I was. She was beautiful, vivacious, smart and capable. She organized fabulous mixers for local business people. She was the living Linkedin. She demonstrated what a competent business woman could accomplish and made a lasting impression on me. I was so sorry to hear of her passing. I will remember her fondly and with great admiration.

Carol Purkis

February 20, 2014

Aunt Hazel to my nieces and dear friend to my sister, Kathy. You will be remembered for your many kind and loving gestures to them over the years.
Rest in peace
Carol Purkis

Nanette Cippa

February 20, 2014

Hazel,
We all miss you!!!! Thank you for all the laughs we had together!!
Love,
Nanette

Nanette Cippa

February 20, 2014

Hazel,
You will be missed by so many!
I know you are dancing in heaven!!!
We Miss You!!
XO

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