Hazel Jean Gillespie (nee Suffern) was born April 26, 1926, in Penhold, Alberta. She worked as a registered nurse before meeting her husband Edward Rex (Ted) Gillespie in Turner Valley, Alberta. They were married in 1952 and had two children, Roy and Maureen.

Hazel and her family started coming to the Invermere area in the 1960s. They fell in love with the area and decided to build a summer home. In 1984, she and Ted retired to Invermere. She enjoyed working in her garden and spending time with her wide circle of friends, when she wasn’t walking her little dog.

Hazel passed away at Columbia House on November 16, 2012. She was predeceased by Ted in 2005 and is survived by her son Roy Gillespie (Rose) and daughter Maureen Hummel (Rick). She is also survived by her nephew Hugh Suffern and his family, and Ted’s brother Roy (FKR) Gillespie and his family.

Many heartfelt thanks to the staff of Columbia House Long Term Care Facility for their loving care of Hazel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Columbia House Long

Term Care.