Hazel Gladys Evelyn Schwass
November 12th, 2011
SCHWASS, Hazel Gladys Evelyn
Hazel Schwass, caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away on November 12, 2011 in Calgary, AB, just shy of her 86th birthday. She will be remembered as a loving and sweet person who always left a smile on the face of those around her. Hazel was born to Samuel Melvin and Mary Jane Pollock in Wadena, Saskatchewan, the second youngest of eight children. Growing up she was very close to her three sisters and four brothers. In 1946, she married Charles Frederick Schwass (Fred) and the two lived in Summerland, BC, after which they moved to Edmonton for a brief period. In 1951, John Charles Schwass, (Jack) the couple’s first son was born, and Fred’s job with the Department of Agriculture was transferred to Lethbridge where they lived for the next 40 years and raised their family. James Frederick Schwass (Jimmy, as he was lovingly referred to by Hazel) arrived in 1958. Six years later the youngest son, David William Schwass was born.
Hazel was a skilled artist and weaver. Her two passions were caring for her family and spending many hours at her loom. While much of her early weaving was focused on the functional and she became known as “the lady who made saddle blankets”, her passion was free-form woven art. She gave back to the community in many ways including supporting the Bowman Arts Centre, musical theatre, and teaching weaving classes at the Lethbridge Community College for many years, leaving some of her weaving on display at public locations around Lethbridge.
In the late 80s Fred became ill and Hazel was his dedicated caretaker until he passed away in 1994. Hazel spent eight more years in Lethbridge before moving to Airdrie to be closer to her family. In Airdrie, her creativity found a new outlet in watercolour painting. Two years ago she moved into an adult living complex in Airdrie called Luxstone and her only regret was not doing so sooner. At Luxstone she made many good friends, in both the residents and the staff, and excelled at a new sport: Wii bowling. Hazel’s family would like to extend a special thanks to everyone at Luxstone and Airdrie Home Health Care, for their compassionate support and care in her last few weeks.
She is survived by her brother Burton Melvin Pollock (Burt) and her children Jack Schwass (Kathleen), Jim Schwass (Joanne) and Dave Schwass (Darla Bruns) and grandchildren Jacqueline, Alison, Tamara (Tammy) and Trevor Schwass and, pre-deceased by son Donald Gordon.
A Celebration of Hazel’s Life will take place in Lethbridge in the spring when Hazel is laid to rest beside her lifelong love, Fred Schwass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Suite 100, 119 – 14 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1Z6. Messages of condolence may be left for the family.
Dear Dave, To you, Darla, your brothers and their families, I want to express my deepest sympathies on the passing of your mother. Your mom was a wonderful lady. I always will remember her bright smile and sparkling eyes when she greeted me. I often ran into her in Lethbridge on trips home to visit family or over the last few years at the hospital. It was nice to hear how you're doing. She always spoke with such love and pride when she recounted your accomplishments. I hope you find comfort knowing your mom will be fondly remembered by me and many others for her kind heart. Thinking of you, Christine Morris (Crighton)