Tribute Image

Hazel Wallingford

Write a Tribute

With broken hearts we share the passing of our beautiful soul, Hazel Wallingford, on Aug. 5, 2025, at the age of 71. After a heart attack that led to many complications, she fought her way back to us for seven weeks with the most inspiring strength and determination.

We will be celebrating the life of this amazing woman on August 31st from 2:00 - 5:00 PM at Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club (18150 8 Avenue, Surrey, BC – open house style, no formal service)

She was an adored mom, nana, wife, sister, auntie, friend and teacher. Her greatest joy was spending time with her five children and six grandchildren. Family was her everything. She also mothered several foster kids through the years with the same passion and love she showed her own children. Many of our friends referred to her as a second mom. That was who she was; everything she did was to take care of others – Mom. Nurse. Teacher. She made everyone in her presence feel nurtured. She had the most infectious laugh and even in the toughest times cracked jokes and made us smile. She was always there to listen over a cup of tea when we needed her.

If you ever had a chance to meet her you know her impact will be imprinted on our hearts forever. You will be missed more than words can say.


Tributes

Tia
September 11th, 2025

Ms.wallingford was an amazing teacher. She was always so caring and kind and whenever someone was stuck she always found a way to help she always made her class so funny, so interesting. When I found out she passed i remember the feeling of shock, suprise and sadnessi joked hoping it would just be some sort of twisted joke but i was wrong. Ms wallingford will be greatly missed.

-from on of her students.

Samaya
September 10th, 2025

I will miss you Ms Wallingford. You were the best teacher. I remember all the candies you would give me. You have an amazing soul,rest in peace. From one of your students.

Ayaan
September 10th, 2025

May you rest in peace Ms. Wallingford

Cyndy Pollock
September 2nd, 2025

I am so saddened and shocked to hear of Hazel's passing. My heartfelt condolences to all of Hazel's family and friends. I had the privilege of doing my Masters of Education with Hazel for 2 years. She was such a kind, outgoing, compassionate and outgoing teacher/educator. She will be truly missed by all whose lives she has touched.

Susan and Rande Young
August 31st, 2025

We have known Hazel since the early 70s. There is no doubt there will be a big hole as she is no longer with us, but it is the the things she is leaving us that matter most.
Hazel's love and passion for her family and friends. Anyone who knew Hazel, knew she was dedicated to her family and took the greatest joy in seeing them grow and flourish. Hazel always had room in her heart for just one more person, one more chair at the table or one more plate to serve up.....even for her brother's annoying teenage friends who always hung out at the trailer (trust me, we were very annoying!)
Hazel's laugh ..... OMG ..... her laugh! It was right from the belly and so infectious you had no choice but to laugh right along with her. I only have to close my eyes, think of Hazel and I can hear it, clear as a bell.
Hazel's strength will live on in the people whose lives she touched. Her children, grandchildren, husband, siblings and the many, many friends she gathered along the way. You were an inspiration to so many Hazel. You will be greatly missed, but you will also be greatly remembered.
RIP Hazel. Our thoughts and love go out to all your family.
Hugs to you all
Rande and Sue

Danielle Beswick
August 31st, 2025

Auntie Hazel, you were love and safety to me all my life. As a little girl you folded me in to your family life and let me relax, let down my guard, and bask in the love you poured out on those around you with every fibre of your being. As I got older and moved overseas that never changed, and any time I came back home you still made me feel safe and welcome and loved, and I wish I had told you how much I appreciate that. I miss you so much.

Claire Maxwell (Rene Anto
August 31st, 2025

Hazel was my hero. I often told people about my friend who put herself through school bit by bit to become a teacher in her sixties! She loved children and spent her life providing safe, fun and love-filled spaces for them, so it wasn’t surprising to hear that she excelled at her late-in-life career. Hazel wasn’t going to be defined by age or by what other people thought. With that boisterous laugh, sharp mind and soft heart, Hazel was a one-in-a-million who has left an incredible legacy of love, children and family. I will continue to brag about knowing this amazing woman and telling her story. Condolences to her family, xo Claire

Helga Schmidke
August 30th, 2025

Hazel was a loving, caring, compassionate and kind human being. I had the privilege to meet her and work as an E.A. in her classroom with her a few years ago at McCloskey Elementary. What an absolutely wonderful teacher she was! She was so kind and caring and nurturing! The students loved her. Everyone loved her - adults and children alike! She had such a soft spot for the ones who difficulties and helped them to see the best in themselves. These students thrived.
Most of all Hazel loved her family. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy! You all brought her such love and happiness. Her face beemed when she would talk about you. She loved you all beyond words. Always remember that.
Hazel, you were a gem and I am so thankful to have met you and spend such a wonderful year with you.

Chris Mulley
August 30th, 2025

Who will tie my shoes?

Sisters
Especially older sisters
of little brothers
you helped me tie my shoes
Made sure I got across the cross walk safely
Picked me up when I fell down and dusted me off.
Cooked me the best mac & cheese ever.
Bought me the finest birthday presents
Gave me a place to stay
until I could find my way

You will be missed
Love you

Christine Mulley
August 29th, 2025
Tribute Image

Hazel and I connected at our daughters' field trip at their elementary school. We bonded during our time together over some funny conversations, and after that we became friends. She welcomed me into her home, her family, her life. We became friends, and then family, but she was more like a sister I never had.
Hazel loved her family ferociously, as they loved her back likewise. She put all her heart and soul into her work, as a teacher, mother, sister and grandmother. Her dream was always to become a grandmother, and I am so glad that her dream had come true.
My memories of her are speacial, one of those funny moments I have of her is when she would leave her house with a cup of tea in her hand, but the memory of our game of Liverpool rummey will probably be one of my favorites. It was never about the game, even though she was quite a competitive player. It was about spending time together, the conversations, the wonderfully silliness that came along with carefree humour, but there was a seriousness about Hazel when it came time to be. She stood up for what she believed in, and was sincere about it. She was a timeless and ageless, sophisticated woman, she was a champion, my true hero!
I pray that my dear beloved sister is at peace, and that her friends and family will find peace too. There are no words to express how much I miss her, I will carry her in my heart forever, until next time, I love you Hazel.

Colleen Ottens
August 29th, 2025

Hazel was an inspiration! When I met her at Neilsen Grove Elementary she was such a caring teacher but she had already had a career as a nurse! Hazel’s ability to connect with young children and staff was wonderful. Whenever I chanced to meet Hazel at education events over the years I was astonished at her energy. I believe her love and energy will continue through her children and grandchildren. 💕

Herjote Ahluwalia
August 29th, 2025

My sincere condolences to your family. I had the pleasure of working with Hazel as an FA while she mentored an SFU student teacher. Hazel was a dedicated and supportive teacher and SA. I’m very sorry for your loss.

Patricia stone
August 28th, 2025

I am so very saddened and shocked to hear of Hazels passing. I worked with her at SMH for many years, she was a kind and caring nurse. She will be missed, such an amazing soul ❤️

Melita mathieson
August 28th, 2025

My husband and I grew up with hazel on Gabriola island. She was one of a kind gentle and such a happy girl. Spent many times overnight as kids. Will miss her

Joan Danis
August 28th, 2025

So sorry to learn of the passing, way too soon, of this dear lady. I remember her as a wonderful, caring nurse, much missed by her nursing colleagues at Surrey Memorial when she left nursing for a teaching career.
My heartfelt condolences to her family.

Debbie Lund
August 28th, 2025

I was so saddened to hear of Hazel’s passing. I had the privilege of working in her classroom and I will always remember her kindness, her patience , and the way she made time for others. My deepest condolences to your family during this difficult time.

Jorie Soames
August 28th, 2025

I met Hazel at Anne’s (her baby sister) Celebration of Life and became her Facebook fan thereafter. I could see right away Hazel’s beautiful smile, infectious laugh and marvellous sense of humour. My gratefulness to know this beautiful family was held nearer somehow by Hazel’s loving ways and inclusive personality. I will miss her, but thinking also of the wonderful trouble those sisters are getting into in the next life.

Bonnie Ostafiew
August 28th, 2025

Hazel, I cannot believe you are gone. We made so many plans to get together and this summer was supposed to be for sure! I will miss you my friend. The year we worked together was truly one of the favourite years of my career. We laughed every day, all day! You were an amazing educator and your tremendous love for the children shone through in every way imaginable.
Family was everything to you and I cannot imagine how difficult this must be for all of them. Rest easy my friend. The angels have truly been blessed to call you one of their own 💔❤️

Lila & family
August 28th, 2025

I am so saddened by the news of Hazel's passing, she was such an inspiration to so many. I have very fond memories that I will cherish forever. I am sending love and strength to the whole Wallingford family.

Rochelle
August 28th, 2025

I have been so fortunate to have had Hazel as my auntie since I was a young girl. Her kind words, warm laugh, and comforting hugs will always be remembered and cherished. As I grow older and prepare for my wedding, it’s hard to believe she won’t be there to share that special day with me.
Hazel and her family have always been such an important part of my life, and I’m so thankful to call them my family. She will forever be remembered as an incredible mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and—most of all to me—my favorite auntie.

Tracy Patterson
August 28th, 2025

I am saddened and shocked to hear of Hazel’s passing. I had the privilege of working with Hazel many years ago in Surrey Memorial Hospital. I always knew we would have a good shift when she was working. May her soul rest in peace. Sending love and light to her family, friends and colleagues.

Ryan Mercer
August 28th, 2025

My anti Hazel she was an amazing human being, she raised a great family and helped many children along the way.Her house was always welcoming to pretty much anyone.Her place for me was a home away from home love her very much.

Heather Brown
August 26th, 2025

Dear Family,Hazel came from a family of six children born to Frederick and Doris Mulley. She had three sisters and two brothers. Daughter #1 Patricia (Patsy), Daughter # 2 Heather (me) and Daughter #3 Hazel. Two brothers, Stephen and Christopher and then Daughter #4, Anne was the baby of the family. I was three and a half when Hazel was born on Jan. 30, 1954. I imagine Patsy and I made quite a fuss over our little sister. Although I don't remember being so young myself. Hazel truly was the middle child with two older sisters who thought that she was to young to hang out with us and two younger brothers who liked to tease her and give her a hard time. Anne was special as the baby of the family. When we moved to New Brunswick in 1967 was when Hazel and I became very close. Patsy had gone to England and then on to Europe traveling around for two years. Patsy always thought that she was mother to us all before that. While in NB it fell on me until I left home. When the family moved to BC it became daughter #3's, Hazel, turn. We missed each other very much when they left and Hazel's letters , there were many, spoke volumes about being apart. I'm sorry that we missed each other's families grow up. Over the years I have seen what a wonderful Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Sister and Friend Hazel was. I grieve deeply over the losss of yet another sister and friend. I am very thankful for my brothers, Steve and Chris, their families and all my nieces and nephews. There is so much more I could say if there was room. I love you all very much and wish that Richard and I could be there with you for Hazel's celebration of life. Maybe down the road. Love, Aunty Heather and Uncle Richard

Jonathan Henderson
August 26th, 2025

I was lucky enough to work with Hazel at a few different schools in the Delta school district, mostly at Sunshine Hills and Jarvis elementary. I am shocked and saddened by the news. My sincere condolences go out to her family. My mom recently passed away, so I understand what they are going through. Hazel, was amazing. She was always in such a good mood and was always eager to talk. She had the time for everybody, no matter how busy she was. We spent many great lunches in the staff room and she had such a wonderful sense of humour. I will really miss working with Hazel, but I am so glad I got the chance to get to know her. I wish her family all the best during this time and in the years to come.
Hazel, you were awesome!
Cheers,
Jon Henderson.

Marian Lane
August 21st, 2025

My heartfelt condolences to Hazel's family. I met her when she was just beginning her career in education and then we would see each other over the years. Most recently I saw her at McCloskey and we shared our stories and memories of our children and grandchildren. Through the laughter her love for you was shining in her eyes. May peace find you all.

Bonnie Copeland
August 18th, 2025

I got to know Hazel working together at Cougar Canyon. It was always such a pleasure to have time to sit and talk with her and be in her light. I’m so very sorry for your loss. She had such a lovely kindness and will be missed. Take care of each other.

Krista Ishihiro
August 16th, 2025

Deepest condolences to your family for the passing of your beautiful matriarch. Hazel (Mrs. Wallingford,) was such a warm and welcoming mom in the neighbourhood growing up and I know she will be dearly missed. Thinking of all of you and sending lots of love your way.

Jeeta Cheema
August 16th, 2025

I had the pleasure of working with Hazel at a few Delta schools, but lastly at Cougar Canyon. I will always remember her as a kind, compassionate woman who was always willing to lend a helping hand. I will miss you my friend. May you now rest in peace🙏🧡

Margaret and John Gaull
August 16th, 2025

We only met Hazel a few years ago when Jessi came into our lives. From the first moment she was so warm and welcoming and easy to know. Hazel was taken far too soon but will shine on through her beautiful family and all those whose lives she touched.

Love, Margaret and John

Write a Tribute

Please Note: Your tribute will NOT be posted until reviewed and approved by one of our staff.

Name
Email
Comment
Upload
 
CAPTCHA Image