Hazel Vivian (Dorchester) Joseph

Hazel Vivian (Dorchester) Joseph Hazel was born in El Paso, Texas, on September 10, 1940. She was the second daughter to Ruth L. Dorchester and Norman Chester Dorchester. After suffering from Alzheimer's Disease for many years, Hazel went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 28, 2023. She was predeceased by her parents, her eldest child Joe Lewis Joseph III, and her first grandson Matthew Joseph.

The Dorchester family moved to Austin, Texas when Hazel was 3 years old. She grew up in the Rosedale neighborhood and graduated from McCallum High School in 1958. That same year she married Joe Lewis Joseph Jr., the love of her life. This year, on May 24th, would have been their 65th wedding anniversary. Joe's devotion to his beloved wife was ever faithful, and he was adamant about keeping her at home after her Alzheimer's diagnosis, rarely leaving her presence.

After her husband Joe graduated from the University of Texas College of Pharmacy in 1965, they moved to El Paso, Texas, where she was devoted to raising her two children, Joe and Janet. Hazel was active in the children's lives and had a network of neighbors and friends.

After the death of Joe's mother, the family moved back to Austin 1972. Along with raising her children, Hazel took on the caregiver role for her sister-in-law, Theresa, who had an intellectual disability. Hazel became an advocate for Theresa, and it was due to Hazel's involvement that Theresa became more independent and had a full and happy life.

Hazel was a devoted Christian, active in St. David's Episcopal Church as President of the Women of St. David's, as well as volunteering (and then becoming President) of the church's Next-To-New Consignment shop.

In 1981, her dear friend Mary Reynolds hired her as a guide for her tour company "Around Austin". The many tours through Austin, Fredericksburg, San Antonio, and the Willow City Loop, sparked her love for Texas history and Texas wildflowers, especially Bluebonnets. She always taught the "Bluebonnet" song stemmed from The Legend of the Bluebonnet book to every tour group she led, as well as friends, family, and anyone who would participate.

Gardening became another passion, especially her field of bluebonnets, wildflowers, and vegetables from her garden. She loved nature and anything to do with Zilker Park. She was very active in the Zilker Garden Club, being the Chaplin for many years.

Her love of animals resulted in various stray dogs and cats becoming part of the family. She also convinced Joe to buy two horses and a goat, as well as build a chicken coup for her chickens.

Hazel loved to travel and was always looking for fun things to do. Her friends anxiously awaited Hazel's suggestions for outings, as they knew they were in for something fun.

Survivors are her loving husband, Joe; her daughter, Janet and husband, Doug Taborn; grandson, Aaron C Joseph, his two children, Maddox, Layla; Aaron's wife, Jill and her four children, Harley, JJ, Kinsley and Presley; Hazel's sister, Mary Lou Caldwell; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family gives thanks to Hazel's wonderful caregivers, Amber Havard-Kemp, Cherie Seymore, and Anna Calloway for their servant hands. Special thanks also go to Susan Neary and to Hospice Austin.

Hazel loved her family, her church, music, books, nature, live performances of any kind, wildflowers (especially bluebonnets). She had a witty sense of humor and loved to be silly. She will be missed by her loving family and countless friends.

The services will be held at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home at 2620 S. Congress, Austin, Texas on April 10, 2023, at 10:00 A.M, with interment following the service at Assumption Cemetery. Pallbearer's will be Aaron Joseph, Doug Taborn, James Selleh, Joe Paykin, Joe Saad, Matt Caldwell, Bruce Caldwell, David Briscoe, Wallace Kessler and George Link. There will be a reception following the interment at Zilker Botanical Gardens' auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Rd.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association: (www.alz.org).