Hazel Elsie Gooding's Obituary
Hazel Elsie Gooding, 88, formerly of Brooklyn, passed away at Burcham Hills, East Lansing on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at Burcham Hills, East Lansing, Michigan. Hazel’s family and friends will gather on Friday, June 30, 2023 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am, with funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Brooklyn Presbyterian Church, 160 N. Main Street, Brooklyn. Pastor Tami Recob will serve as officiant. Luncheon will be provided in the church fellowship hall following the service.
Hazel was born on November 23, 1934, in Addison, Michigan to Clair and Isobel (Franklin) Wheaton. Hazel married Edmond Gooding, on December 22, 1961 in Brooklyn, Michigan. They had 27 wonderful years together until his passing. Hazel was a Brookyn High School graduate, class of 1953, where she was named valedictorian, which was one of her proudest achievements. Hazel lived in the Brooklyn area her entire life where she was known for being a strong-willed, fiercely loyal, and independent woman who came from humble beginnings, but left such a lasting impact on so many family, friends and neighbors.
Hazel was the executive secretary for Heat Controller, Inc. for many years. She was an extremely hard worker, not only in the workplace, but she had a large hand in helping her husband run a hobby farm. Her time with Ed and daughter Debbie included many activities, some of which were camping, fishing, wine-making, and showing ponies. She loved crossword puzzles, gardening, canning, cooking and baking. She had countless other surprising talents such as knitting, crocheting, sewing and needlework. But most of all, she loved caring for children. She was a proud, loving, and devoted mother who was richly involved in her daughter’s life. She utilized living next door to Debbie to provide daycare and an open door to countless sleepovers that only a grandma can provide to her grandchildren. She quickly became everyone’s grandmother and will always be known for how selflessly she gave what she had to others. Hazel cherished her time with her grandchildren and was even able to experience the joy of being a great-grandmother as well. Hazel was also a loyal neighbor and was always depended upon to be the neighborhood watch. Although in her later years, her neighbors were always sure to repay the favor by constantly keeping an eye out for her needs like snow removal and general help around the house.
The family would like to thank the loving, caring staff at Burcham Hills for their outstanding care. Hazel is survived by her daughter, Deborah (Coley) Johnson; grandchildren, David (Megan) Johnson and Katie (Josh) Reilly; great-grandchildren, Jack and Libby (expected August); and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edmond; brothers, Clair Jr. and Robert Wheaton.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. Please leave a message of comfort for Hazel’s family or sign her guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.
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