Hazel Grace Birch

Hazel Grace Birch, 93, of Port St. Lucie, Florida departed this life on February 22, 2025. Hazel was born on May 5, 1931, in Shippenville, Pennsylvania, to Earl and Clara Smith Cook. She graduated from Shadyside School of Nursing in 1952 and worked as a registered nurse for over forty years.
In 1952, Hazel married the love of her life, Edmund P. Birch. Hazel and Ed enjoyed 72 wonderful years together, living in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and finally in Florida. Hazel and Ed raised three children together. Upon retirement, they purchased a motor home and spent ten summers traveling to every state in the United States and every providence in Canada.
In addition to being a dedicated nurse, mother and wife, Hazel was a talented seamstress. She made clothes, quilts, toys, doll clothes, and many other items for her family. Her sewing machine was an extension of herself. Hazel and Ed also worked together as accomplished upholsterers.
Hazel was devoted to God and to her church throughout her life. She has been a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Port St. Lucie, Florida for thirty years. She enjoyed participating in activities with the women of the church – especially the crafters group.
Hazel is survived by her beloved husband, Ed, her two daughters, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth "Betty" Kraus.
Hazel was preceded in death by both of her parents, her son David Birch, and two brothers, Edward and Charles Cook.
A memorial service for Hazel will be held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Port St. Lucie on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made in Hazel's honor to the church.