Hazel Rickes

Resident of New Jersey and Florida Hazel Rickes, age 107, left our world peacefully on Monday, September 15, 2025. Born on February 28, 1918, in Franklin, New Jersey, to Gabriel Fabian, Sr. and Eva Kairsten, Hazel's life was defined by love, devotion, faith, and a deep commitment to her family, friends and community. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister and cherished friend.

She was predeceased by her husband Edward, with whom she shared 42 years of marriage, and her siblings: sister Elizabeth, and brothers John, Alec, Gabriel, George, Jessie, and Andrew. Hazel is survived by her children, Eric (Judy) Rickes and Robert Rickes; her niece Lillian and nephew Jimmy; grandchildren, Jennifer (James) Clemens, Kristen (Russell) Hinckley, and Scott (Kathleen) Rickes; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Ashley, Nathan, Jimmy, Lauren, Hazel, and Asher.

Hazel's 42-year marriage to Edward was the foundation of her life, and their enduring love set a beautiful example for their family. She was also a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Rahway for 77 years where she contributed to her faith community with love, generosity, and service.

Throughout her life, Hazel was an active and engaged person. She was a dedicated Cub Scout leader of pack 147, helping guide many young people with care and wisdom. She enjoyed reading, antiquing, and gardening, and was an avid collector of Stangl birds, Flo Blue China, depression glass and Fiestaware. Hazel loved taking cruises and cherished vacationing with her family to the Outer Banks (OBX), creating lifelong memories in a place they held dear. Her family will always remember her for her delicious pot roast, meatloaf, lamb chops, cabbage soup, zucchini bread, and cucumber salad-meals that brought her family together and were made with love. Every meal together was a celebration which required a fancy tablecloth, fine China and candles.

In her later years, Hazel was lovingly cared for by her devoted caretaker, Mercedes, who became an integral part of her life. Hazel's family is forever grateful for the care, kindness, and compassion Mercedes provided during her final years.

Having lived in both New Jersey and Florida, Hazel's warmth, generosity, and sense of humor left a lasting impact on all who knew her. She was the heart of her family, and her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched with her love, faith, and wisdom.

Hazel will be dearly missed by all, as she touched the hearts of so many, but the remarkable life she led by spreading love, joy, wisdom and faith to everyone she encountered for the last 107 years will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Rahway in Hazel's memory.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Lehrer-Gibilisco Funeral Home located at 275 West Milton Avenue in Rahway, NJ.

Family and friends will gather again at the funeral home on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Funeral Services will begin at 11:30am. Entombment will follow at Woodbridge Memorial Gardens located at U.S. Route 1 North in Iselin, NJ.

A link will be posted here on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 11:15 am to view the livestream of Hazel's services. https://youtube.com/live/7CcAlhiTFM8?feature=share