Obituary of Hazel Earle Nelson

Hazel E. Nelson passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 94. She was born a year before women could vote in Amite, Louisiana to Earle Woodson Marshall and Hazel Sarah Marshall. In 1945 she and her family moved to Boulder Creek, later to Santa Cruz, and finally to Capitola. She got her B.A. degree in music from Southeastern University in Louisiana, and later earned her teaching credential where she taught math, English, and chorus at Branciforte Jr. High School for 24 years. Educational journals published her creative curricular techniques during her career, and she is still remembered and revered by many of her former students as a gifted and talented teacher. After she retired, Hazel kept busy by publishing a series of English grammar books which are still used in classrooms today. Hazel was married to the late John P. Bond for 30 years, and to the late Tom E. Nelson for 25 years. She is survived by her daughter, Betty S. Montgomery, and by her beloved stepchildren Patti O'Kelley, Terry Nelson, Janice Sammet, and Sharon Nelson, wife of the late Donald Nelson. She leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great grandchildren. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church for many years, where she conducted the children's choir. In later years she was a member of Twin Lakes Baptist Church. Known for being the quintessential lady, always gracious and giving to everyone, Hazel will be greatly missed by her adoring family and many friends. A commemoration of her life will be held at Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St., Santa Cruz on Friday, June 6, at 1:00 P.M. The chapel will be open for an hour before the service for those wishing a visitation. Contributions are asked for Hospice of Santa Cruz, 940 Disc Dr., Scotts Valley, CA 95066.