Hazel Therese Humphrey, beloved mother and grandmother, died Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, after a short illness. She was 86.
A good natured and friendly soul, she relished time spent chatting with family and friends and was quick to join any outing. Born into an Irish American family on Nov. 16, 1923, Hazel grew up in Albert Lea and married Richard D. Humphrey in the midst of World War II. After raising three children in the southern Minnesota city, the Humphreys moved to the Twin Cities, where Hazel worked at U.S. Bank and then at Lifetouch. A lifelong sports fan, she spent many hours watching or listening to Twins and Vikings games and could talk baseball and football with anybody. Her ability to remember names, dates, details and trivia served her well over the years as she made acquaintances with just about everyone she met. For 60 years she was a proud member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard D. Humphrey.
Hazel is survived by daughter, Annette (John) Kurimay; son, Richard (Donna) Humphrey; and daughter, Mary Lou (Ken) Gustafson. She will be lovingly remembered by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and dear friends.
Memorials are preferred to Second Harvest Heartland or N.C. Little Hospice. Private interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery. The funeral service is at noon Saturday at Mary, Mother of the Church, 3333 Cliff Road, Burnsville.
Visitation is one hour prior to the service Saturday at church and also from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Washburn-McReavy Werness Bros. Chapel, (952) 884-8145, 2300 W. Old Shakopee Road.