Hazel Podraza

Hazel Peterson Podraza passed away on September 17th, 2024, surrounded by her family. Born on May 5, 1935, in Dubois, PA, Hazel was a twin to her brother Howard Peterson, sister to her late brother Robert, and daughter of the late Mentry and Lucile (Rouse) Peterson. 

While attending Syracuse University, Hazel met football player James Podraza, with whom she would share a life and a love of sports. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts in 1957, she married James. They raised their family in Sherrill, NY, while she continued her studies at Syracuse University and earned her master’s degree in Library Science. 

Hazel began her career as an educator and school librarian in Canastota, NY. Beginning in 1975, she helped develop the 4-H Career Exploration Project, a program that offered courses aimed at guiding young people to become inquisitive and creative thinkers. In 1979, the family moved to Oxford, NY, where she coordinated the school library system for the Delaware-Chenango Board of Cooperative Educational Services and served on the Oxford Memorial Library Board of Trustees. She later took on the role of high school librarian in Sydney, NY. In addition to her library work, Hazel was involved with the Professional Education Organization, where she provided scholarship support to aspiring students. 

For Hazel, education extended far beyond the confines of the classroom or pages of books; it was a journey that unfolded in the world around her. She firmly believed that travel opened one’s mind to diverse perspectives and experiences. Hazel traveled widely with James throughout their 53-year marriage. She embraced new cultures and was always eager to share her experiences with family and friends. 

Hazel’s worldview guided her passion for education and woman’s rights. She was a dedicated member and local leader of the League of Women’s Voters. Her commitment extended to serving as a workshop chair for the Oneida Literacy Volunteers and as president of the Women of the First United Methodist Church, where she also shared her voice in the choir. 

Hazel will be remembered for her love of music, art, and culture, as well as a remarkable wit that made her a fierce Bridge player. Her memory is carried in the hearts of her friends, community, and remaining family: brother Howard and wife, Laurie; daughter Ellen and partner, Michael; son Robert and wife, Laurel; daughter Diane and husband, Christopher; grandchildren, Victoria and Robbie, Rachel and John, and Claire, Alex, and Morgan; and great-grandson, Arlo.