Obituary of Hazel S. Hapes

Hazel Shirley (nee Crotsley) Hapes of Washington, NJ, age 93, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at St. Luke’s Hospital in Phillipsburg, NJ on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Born in Pottersville, NJ, she grew up as a young girl in Tewksbury Township along with her seven siblings; her four sisters, Alma, Ann, Jane, and Christine, and her three brothers, George, John and Wilbur, all which attended a one room school house known as Bissell School. They have all predeceased her.

She married and became a longtime resident of over sixty years at her favorite place, Clinton, NJ, where she raised her children as a single parent.  In her early years as a homemaker, she worked at Bee’s Hillside Diner, and in her later years she worked at Walter D. Graulich and Associates located in Lebanon, NJ, as well as the Holiday Inn in Clinton, NJ, before her retirement.  

She was blessed as a mother with a family of five generations, which consisted of three children, three grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, all of which she enjoyed immensely. Her children were her world, and she devoted her life playing both roles as a loving mother and father while at the same time being a true disciplinarian.

The love and support she offered her family was truly amazing and was reflected by the way her family gave it back to her during her illness and stay at the hospital and rehabilitation center. Not a day went by where someone didn’t visit her during her three month plus stay. Everyone that met her loved her.  If you were ever feeling down, you could always rely on her compliments to pick you up.

She had a musical talent of “pitch perfect” which allowed her to play any instrument to the sound of someone singing.  The diamond and costume jewelry industry will never be the same. The term “bling” was her trademark.  She was a true spokesperson for Dum Dum lollipops because of her absolute joy of them. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Hazel is survived by her daughter, Linda L. Phillips-Kollar (Thomas) of Wescoville, PA; her sons, John Hapes of Bangor, PA, and Dennis Hapes of Washington, NJ; three grandchildren, Melissa, Lori, and JJ; five great grandchildren, Ronald, Hailey, Chase, Jonathan, and Zavian; and two great-great grandchildren, Skylar and Braydon. 

A funeral service will be held at Martin Funeral Home on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 11:00 am.  Internment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery located Clinton, NJ. To send condolences to the family please visit www.martinfh.com