Hazel D. Clyde-Dahlgren, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, gardener and former South Whidbey resident, died Dec. 5, 2004. She was born in Comyn, Texas, March 12, 1906, middle child in a family of eight brothers and sisters. She left home at an early age to work as a beautician in Waco, Texas. She married Norman Clyde Nov. 23, 1927, and was given away by the governor of Texas.

Immediately, she and Norman headed to Whidbey Island, as his mother and sister had just passed away. It took one month and 30-some flat tires in a Model-T Ford with an asbestos box with a blow torch over the fuel tank to heat the car to reach the island. In Langley, the couple raised four children.

Hazel was active in school affairs, 4-H, the Langley Methodist Church (including her joy of singing in the choir), Eastern Star as well as “presiding” over the Clyde Theatre every Friday and Saturday night. She was never happier than when working in her garden. According to family, she could grow anything.

After her husband’s death in 1979, she eventually met and married Charles Dahlgren in 1992. They enjoyed three wonderful years before his death in 1995.

Hazel lived the last seven years with her daughter, Joye, on Camano Island and was actively gardening until the last year.

She was preceded in death by husbands Norman and Charles; son Pat; two grandsons; and all her sisters and brothers. She is survived by a son Richard (Audrey); and daughters Joye (Jim) and Judy (Bill); six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Memorials can be made to the Clyde Theatre Fund in Langley.