Memories & Celebrations: Obituary

Hazel Gertrude Otto

March 14, 1934 - October 5, 2023

On Oct. 5, at 5:25 p.m., Hazel Gertrude Otto, surrounded by family and friends, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior.

Hazel was born in Hearst Ontario, March 14, 1934, to Vida Roberta and William Henry Evans. The family moved from Hearst to Gore Bay, Gatchell, Sudbury, Manitowaning, and then Sioux Lookout in 1954.

At age 14, she left Sioux Lookout for Sudbury and business school. Upon early completion of her program, she began working at Al Pierce Motors until her marriage and the eventual birth of her first child.

She was married to Bernard (Bunny) Henry Otto in 1951, and together had five children, Ronald, Dale (deceased 1960) Stephen, Susan, and Lawrence. 

Hazel spent countless hours in her garden. She enjoyed skating and roller blading. She hung up her figure skates for good at the age of 81. Her greatest passion was family. Her sisters, brothers, in-laws, nieces, nephews, her children and grandchildren. Family unity was important to her, and she loved unconditionally.

Hazel was involved in the Gospel Hall and in 1957 became church treasurer. She ran the tuck shop at Happy Haven Bible camp from its inception in 1957 until its closure in 1977. She was one of the founding members of Calvary Baptist Church in 1964 and continued on as treasurer until 1996. She was also involved with the Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner celebration for many years.

We will continue to celebrate her life with our fond memories.

Hazel is predeceased by her parents, her son Dale, husband Bernard, sisters Charal Pretula, Wilma Scott, and Valerie Fox, brothers Rodney Evans (Jim Kellar) and William “Bill” Evans. 

She is survived by sisters Betty Ann Mathews, Linda Brown, and Debra Rutherford. Her children Ronald (Vandi) Stephen, Susan, and Lawrence (Erin), along with numerous nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren Keanan, Alex, Olivia, Gabriel, Gavyn, Geneva, and Savannah.

“To everything there is a season: a time to be born, and a time to die” Ecclesiastes 

Funeral services were held Friday, October 13, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Carter Krahn. Internment was in Northway Cemetery.