Dorothy “Dottie” Hazel, a 58-year resident of La Cañada Flintridge, passed away at the age of 80 from complications due to dementia.
Born in Los Angeles and raised in the South Bay, Dottie was a true California girl. She was the oldest of two daughters and shared a special bond with her parents and her maternal grandmother.
Upon graduation from the Los Angeles Adventist High School, Dottie attended nursing school for a short time. During her schooling, she decided that nursing wasn’t for her, so she became a secretary at the Department of Water and Power. It was at this job where she met her husband, Gary, who was a recent USC graduate just getting started with his engineering career.
On August 1, 1965, Gary and Dottie were married and moved into their first apartment in Glendale, next to Dick and Diane Cannon, who became their lifelong best friends. A couple of years later, they purchased a home in La Cañada Flintridge, and started a family. Gary and Dottie loved living in La Cañada and were proud to call this community their home for so many years.
After raising her two girls, Dottie decided to get involved in the community. She worked at the La Cañada Chamber of Commerce and the Diet Center in La Cañada. She also loved playing golf every Thursday with her friends and volunteered at Huntington Memorial Hospital every Friday. Dottie was also a dedicated volunteer. She was a member of the La Cañada Kiwanis Club, La Cañada Junior Women’s Club, a Deacon for La Cañada Presbyterian Church, and her favorite group — The Tournament of Roses — where she served on numerous committees. She really enjoyed being on the Queen and Court Committee, where she was able to help select the Rose Princesses and Rose Queen.
When she wasn’t volunteering in the community, Dottie was busy planning family vacations to Thailand, Europe, Hawaii, and to see extended family in Ohio.
Gary adored Dottie, especially her outgoing personality, her kindness, and her homemade healthy meals!
She will be remembered fondly for her boundless love for her family and her profound impact on those around her.
Dottie will be truly missed. Dottie is survived by her loving husband, Gary, two daughters Suzanne (Chris) and Dianne (Randy) and her three grandchildren (Madison, August, and Chase).
A memorial service is to be held at La Cañada Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 20, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor Dottie can contribute to The Tournament of Roses Foundation, which supports charities in the greater Los Angeles area.
