Pickles, Hazel A., age 102 passed away December 1, 2016. Loving mother of Marilyn (Jim) Tanner of California, Thomas of Arkansas, and the late Lawrence (Carol) of Florida. Cherished grandmother of 4; Mark (Geri) Tanner of California, Sharon Tanner of Nebraska, Michael (Karen) Pickles of North Carolina, and the late Patricia (David) Tapp of Kentucky and great grandmother of 5. Dear sister of Robert (Eileen) of Texas, Eldon (Carol) of Michigan, and the late Nell, Blanche, Olive, and Harold and late in-laws Beulah and Winifred.

Hazel Avery Pickles was born December 7, 1913 in Burin, Newfoundland to Robert and Florence Avery. She was one of seven children. The family moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1924, eager to carve out a new life in what was then a burgeoning city full of promise.

Hazel was the first in her family to graduate from High School and she did so ‘with honors’. She graduated from the Business Institute in Detroit and worked as an executive assistant, first at the Detroit City Gas Company and later for Cadillac Motor.

In 1936, she married Donald Pickles and enjoyed 51 years of happy marriage. They raised three children, beginning in Detroit and later in Livonia and Southfield, and nurtured a happy home where friends and family were always welcome.

Early in 1964, she and Donald traveled to South Africa for three months while he was working with the Ford Motor Company. After her husband’s passing in 1987, she went on to travel to England, Ireland, and Israel.

Hazel was an active member of Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church in Livonia and North Congregational Church in Southfield (later in Farmington Hills), where she was President of the Women’s Association for two years and was involved in many successful fund-raising projects.

She was an avid reader and writer and sent many thoughtful notes to friends and family, which are all treasured. A wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, she was full of witty spunk and good cheer for all who knew her.

Hazel will be long remembered and revered by us all.

Her Memorial Service will be Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 11am at North Congregational Church, 36520 Twelve Mile Rd, Farmington Hills. Inurnment at Roseland Park Cemetery, Berkley. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Memorial Funds at North Congregational Church in her name.