Hazel J. Brees, 95, of Oak Harbor died peacefully at her home on the morning of Sept. 4, 2006. She was the daughter of Myron and Henrietta VanDyk Schock and granddaughter of Whidbey Island pioneers, Gerrit O. and Jientje Bovendam VanDyk.
Born Sept. 16, 1910 near Swantown Road in Oak Harbor, Hazel was brought into this world by her grandmother, Jennie VanDyk who was a midwife. Hazel attended school in Oak Harbor.
Hazel graduated from Skagit Valley College Nursing Program in 1959 and became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The State of Washington employed her as a LPN, working at Northern State Hospital, Sedro-Woolley; Western State Hospital, Tacoma; Monroe Reformatory and she retired from Walla Wall State Penitentiary in 1982.
Following her retirement, Hazel returned to Whidbey Island and her little house on Highway 20. She enjoyed reading, listening to music and sharing tales of the early days in Oak Harbor with her family. Hazel lived alone and without assistance until earlier this year. Those who knew her and loved her were truly blessed.
Hazel is survived by her son David and wife Burl Ward of Victoria, B.C.; grandchildren Sheri, Chris, Tim and J’Anne and great grandchildren Erin, Tessa, Richard, Jocelyn, Rachel, Joshua and Derian; daughter Donna VanVoorst and husband Mike of Oak Harbor; grandchildren Jon Jensen of Dayton, Wash. and Kimberlee Jensen of Oak Harbor; great grandson Thomas Jensen; one sister, Helene (Schock) Munro of Douglasville, Georgia; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. One brother Max Schock, one sister Bette (Schock) Mahoney and one grandson Ronald Brees preceded her in death.
The family of Hazel Brees wish to extend their thanks and appreciation to Dr. Glass, the Skagit Hospice team, cousin Howard Grasser and Kin Jensen for all the loving care and attention. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Skagit Hospice.
Graveside committal services for Hazel Brees will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Oak Harbor. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.
