Hazel Culbertson Daniels

1947 - 2021

Hazel Culbertson Daniels

June 29, 1947 - September 30, 2021

San Luis Obispo, California - In loving memory of Hazel Culbertson Daniels

Writer and retired middle school teacher Hazel Culbertson Daniels' zest for life didn't end when she passed away two years ago this week – her bright smile, infectious laugh, and big heart continue to live on and influence the lives of those who knew her. Hazel passed away peacefully on September 30th, 2021 at the age of 74 with family and loving caregivers by her side. Hazel's spirit of adventure and her profound kindness continue to inspire others to be generous with their smiles and their hearts and to live their lives to the fullest.

Hazel graduated from San Luis Obispo High School in 1965 where she was the yearbook editor and active in theater. She went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in English from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and a Master's degree in Creative Writing from Sonoma State University, and she was a magnificent writer. She took on all forms of writing from technical writing with the former Optical Coating Laboratories to journalistic writing with the Press Democrat in Santa Rosa, CA, while also composing her own short stories and novels. Mid-career, Hazel obtained a teaching credential and shared her love of writing with middle school students, many of whom still comment online about the influence she had in their lives. Her love of literary arts influenced her daughters as well; public libraries and open poetry readings were as frequented as public parks.

Hazel had a strong sense of justice and lacked judgmentalism. She had an unwavering ability to link arms and ride through life's storms with others, never judging people for their troubles and inner struggles. Hazel is still renowned for coming to the aid of every single member of her family, her friends, friends-of-friends, her students and colleagues, and complete strangers. She was also an early environmentalist – meticulously separating and compiling various types of waste, which she would deliver to recycling plants throughout town. And she was an adventurer – traveling across the US and Canada and back in an old Chevrolet truck with her first husband and her toddler while very pregnant with her second daughter, spending two weeks in the USSR just before the 1991 Soviet coup d'état, and visiting Vietnam as part of an exchange for veterans of war. Yet it was her day-to-day spirit of adventure, her cheerfulness, and her enthusiasm that turned the most mundane activity into a fun escapade. Hazel was a vibrant, deeply kind woman, who brought warmth and inclusiveness to every interaction and assured and encouraged every person she crossed paths with.

Hazel was born in Lansing, Michigan on June 29, 1947 to Jean and Dr. James T. Culbertson. Soon after, Dr. Culbertson's work took the family to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where Hazel spent the majority of her childhood. She married first husband Thomas St. John in 1967 and second husband Jim Daniels in 1980. She was the second eldest of four children and a friend to many childhood schoolmates and neighbors in San Luis Obispo, CA.

As a mother, Hazel offered unwavering support, compassion and love to her daughters, Elise and Holly, and grandson, Blake, who she raised from infancy; and she adored her grandchildren Kristina, Gavin, Bronwyn, and Christopher, who she traveled across country frequently to visit. Hazel cherished and cared for her father (Jim), mother (Jean) brother (Sam), and husband (Jim) into their final days, and treasured her sisters, Betsy and Jamie, immensely. She loved being an aunt to Missy, Shannon, David and Jim, a great aunt to Rodney, Ray, and Luca, and she held dear the many friendships she shared with cousins and special pals from childhood on. Hazel's friendships expanded during her time at Casa Rosa Elder Care and her family remains grateful for the love and care provided by the Rose Care Group. Friends and family meant everything to Hazel and she was always there for people in their smallest and greatest moments of need.

Hazel touched and changed many lives in her 74 years. Her compassion and her playful, generous spirit are an inspiration and she lives on through the love she generated among so many.