Hazel HOCKLEY

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HOCKLEY: (nee Wade) Hazel Gwendolyn "Gwen" of Brandon, Manitoba, passed away peacefully with family at her side at Fairview Home on Saturday, March 7, 2009. Gwen was born on August 4, 1915 to James and Etta Alverda Wade of Brandon. She was the younger sister of Ruth and the older sister of Sheridan. She received her early education at Flemming School, going on to Brandon Collegiate Institute and Brandon College. Gwen began work as a bookkeeper at the family business, Wade & Son Lumber. Throughout these early adult years, Gwen cared for her grandparents who resided with the Wade family. She was an active member of the Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT), for thirteen years, and involved in the Baptist Church teaching Sunday school and singing. In 1943 Gwen married Victor James Hockley. This city girl was about to become a farmer's wife, and for the next fifty-eight years, Gwen and Vic lived and farmed the original Hockley homestead west of Forrest. Gwen had to quickly learn to drive an automobile, as taking the weekly trip to the Brandon Creamery became her responsibility. "The Rugbyettes" was a group of ladies in the area that met monthly to quilt their blankets for numerous charities, Mom became involved soon after moving to the farm, being an active member for fifty eight years. Gwen and Vic, along with a few like-minded friends and believers, were the founders of the first Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Brandon on the corner of 6th Street and Rosser Avenue. Their life long faith and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ saw the growth of the church as it grew and moved to 16th Street and Princess Avenue, moving one more time to and becoming, the McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church. The church and the mission work was a central and daily part of Mom's life. In 1975 Gwen and Vic moved approximately 400 feet west of the 'ol farmhouse to their new home. This home was built for entertaining, whether it be neighbors, family, missionaries, church family or folks they met on their travels. The door was always open and Mom always had tea on and lunch ready in no time. Just as in the old house this home was where numerous family gatherings and memories were formed. Gwen's passion was reading and talking on the telephone. As Mom's family grew and spread out, we never felt out of touch with any and all family members and activities due to Gwen being the anchor by telephone and daily phone calls to all. Mom's gift of conversation has touched many lives. She had time to talk with anyone and never hesitated to approach strangers if she thought a good conversation would result. Being a "greeter" at Sunday morning church was indeed a joy for Mom. She was always positive, eternally gracious, and forever a lady. Mom was an inspiration. Gwen was predeceased by her parents, her sister Ruth and brother-in-law Archie McLachlan; brother Sheridan, Sherry, Wade and husband Victor in 2001. She is survived by her daughters: Ruth (Ed) Saunders, of Winnipeg; Sylvia (Roy) Rysavy of Moose Jaw; and son Fred (Kathryn) Hockley of Brandon; grandchildren: Carolyn, Glendene, Jennifer, Sherri, Dallas, Jason, Kari and Justin; and 15 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Marion Wade and Winnie Scott; brother- in-law Don Hockley as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family cannot begin to thank the Fairview Home's 4th floor staff for their skill and talents matched with their compassion and humour. It is all of you who made Mom's last residence as comfortable as it was, for her, and for us. The ceremony to celebrate Gwen's life will be held at McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church, 635 McDiarmid Drive, on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at 2:00 P.M. Pastor Larry Janz and Pastor Dan Pope will officiate. Private family interment will follow in the Zion Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Cyril Stott, Wes Hockley, Garth Hockley, Neale Hockley, Neil Henry and Harvey Patterson. Donations in memory of Gwen may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, B- 727 10th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 4G7. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.Arrangements are with Memories Chapel and Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 10, 2009