Hazel Loure Koenig

About

Reed College University of California Los Angeles University of Washington

Hazel Koenig Obituary

Hazel Loure KOENIG U.W. Professor of Art June 19, 1924 ~ December 8, 2009 Hazel Koenig was born in Seattle as the precious only child of Fred and Hazel St. Clair. She attended Reed College in Portland on an undergraduate scholarship and received a Master's of Fine Arts degree (Painting) from the University of Washington in December 1950. She attained her General Certification for art education, serving in several capacities in art design, and children's art education at the UW. Hazel and fellow artist, Aileen Moseley, were enthusiastic contributors to Pauline Johnson's book, "Creating with Paper - Basic Forms and Variations," for which the talented teacher-artists were cited by the Pratt Institute in a review of new films and books. Hazel coauthored "Crafts Design: An Illustrated Guide" with Spencer Moseley and Pauline Johnson, University of Washington. Hazel taught art as an elementary school teacher in the Seattle public school system in 1960-63 and lectured in art and art education for elementary schools at UCLA. Hazel was an Associate Professor in the Department of Art and Architecture Portland State College, and then recruited by the University of Washington, where she taught until retirement from academic life. Hazel touched the lives and creative endeavors of countless young students throughout her career. She will be missed for the twinkle in her eyes, lilting chuckle, her wide-ranging friendships and unconditional love of her pet animals. After a brief illness, Hazel passed away on December 8, 2009 in the care of Providence Hospice and Foss Village and Nursing Home in Seattle. A service to celebrate her life is planned for the spring.

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Published by The Seattle Times from Jan. 1 to Jan. 2, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Hazel Koenig

6 Entries

Maryalice Salget

January 30, 2010

My memories of Hazel are rich with fun and laughter. Shopping, shopping, shopping and cafes, cafes and cafes. We went on many treks together. Trains, planes and boats. Chelan, Washington D.C., New York City and Boston.

There was a truly perfect day in Nassau on our way to Miami. We remembered the magic of the day together for years afterwards.
And there was our last trip to Phoenix, San Francisco and Sausalito. Our imaginations feasted on everything from the amazing stone architecture of the rocky southwest to the vibrant hills of San Francisco.

Traveling with Hazel could be treacherous at times, yet those trips were always full of delights and discoveries. Sometimes it was like living inside a documentary. We saw all sides of life from pennies in the street to fashions at Bergdorf. There were adventures in antiquing and buying everything ethnic.

Hallelujah, hooray for having had Hazel in my life.

Janie Fontaine

January 18, 2010

Just read of Hazel's passing. So many memories of lunches at Hazel and Ramona's, art events at School or in Bellevue, the cat she had me "sit" for a couple of weeks who stayed for years. Her home a work of art itself. Indeed, Hazel was a work of art and enriched and "colored" so many of our lives.

Jimmy

January 8, 2010

Hazel, what are we going to do with the kid? You will always be in my heart.

Nancy Houston Eister

January 5, 2010

Hazel Koenig had a brilliant sense of design, a strong and stubborn mind, and a sharp, quiet wit. Through my mother's long friendship with her starting in the "Hazel and Ramona" days, I came to have many great discussions with Hazel about Democratic politics, antiques, and even basketball. She loved good food. She was deeply intelligent and cared greatly for every individual that came into her "orbit". May she rest in peace.

Alida + Christopher Latham

January 2, 2010

We remember well the days of "Ramona + Hazel", often with Larry Metcalf as their other partner, organizing exhibitions for Bellevue Art Museum, NorthWest Designer Craftsmen, and many others. Students became friends and co-conspirators. Hazel had an unequivocal love of color and brightness, and had a marvelous collection of folk crafts from around the world. What a great teacher and friend she was.

Elice Swanson

January 1, 2010

Hazel was an influential art instructor to many present art teachers and craftsmen in this area. She was a dedicated art mentor and her work with Ramona Solberg at the U.W. was significant. Elice Skirvin Swanson, BA, Art Ed. 1980

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