Sarah Hazel Anthony Packer

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Sarah Hazel Anthony Packer

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November 27, 2012

Sarah Hazel Anthony Packer

Anonymous Weatherford Democrat The Weatherford Democrat Tue Nov 27, 2012, 08:22 AM CST

WEATHERFORD — WEATHERFORD — Sarah Hazel Anthony Packer passed away on Friday, Nov. 23, 2012 almost a week after celebrating her 105th birthday.

Hazel was born Nov. 17, 1907 in Pittsburgh, Pa. In 1934, she married Wayne R. Packer, her husband for 64 years. Hazel grew up, attended shcool, was baptized in the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, and received her teaching certificate in Kansas City. She also began one of several careers as the shop-scout for The Kansas City Star. Hazel and Wayne moved several times for Wayne’s job. She gave birth to three children, Susie, Tony and Marty. In 1945, the family moved back to Kansas City, Mo. where Hazel was active in politics with the League of Women Voters, served as PTA President, was a leader for both Cub Scout and Campfire troops, initiated the first sheltered workshop for handicapped young adults, and started a square dance club. As a wife and mother, Hazel loved to cook and entertain. In 1954, Hazel began teaching 5th and 6th grade math and science at Pembroke Country Day School for Boys in Kansas City. She later taught special needs children in Shawnee Mission, Kan.

In 1975, after retirement, Hazel and Wayne moved to Bella Vista, Ark. Hazel served as a docent at the Pea Ridge National Battlefield. She also taught reading to recent immigrants, learned to quilt and served as founding regent of the Lovely Purchase Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She and Wayne loved to fish, play bridge and travel to take elder hostel courses at college campuses across the United States.

In 1995, Hazel and Wayne moved to Fort Worth to be closer to their family. For the residents at their retirement center, Hazel launched a monthly newspaper called “The Grapevine.” Hazel, who learned to use the computer at age 88, served as editor and publisher of the paper, supervising six resident reporters. She established a library with other residents and continued to quilt with her Bee, the Gypsy Quilters.

In 2008, Hazel moved to the Autumn Hill Manor in Weatherford, where she continued her lifelong efforts to serve others. She started a “Lending Library” with the help of staff members. She also started a Tuesday bridge group and was intrumental in getting the USPS to designate her residence with an address and place a mail box outside the building.

Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; son, Tony and great-granddaughter, Danni.

Survivors: daughters, Susan Vrostsos of Winchester, Mass. and Marty Hedrick of Lake Palo Pinto; six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Mount Olivet Funeral Home

2301 N. Sylvania Ave., Fort Worth, TX

817-831-0511

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