Hazel Ruth Ames, at the age of 88, passed away on November 5, 2016. She died peacefully at home at The Heights at Mount View Care Residence, Victoria, BC.
Hazel was born on April 19, 1928 in Regina, Saskatchewan to Adrian Leslie Moreside and Evelyn Ruth Cudmore. She grew up the 6th of 7 children on the family farm outside Strasburg, Saskatchewan. In later years she told stories of the fun the kids had herding the cattle and playing tag on the barn roof.
At the young age of 17 she attended Normal School in Moose Jaw and earned her Teaching Certificate. She taught in a one room school house in Indian Head, Saskatchewan for two years. She was barely older than some of her students. During this time she met and fell in love with a young member of the RCAF, Rex Ames, who she married in 1948. His postings took them from Edmonton to Summerside, and on to Germany, Montreal, Moose Jaw, Portage la Prairie and Winnipeg. During the three years they lived in Germany, in the early 1950s, they explored post war Europe, often camping with their children and close friends.
Hazel was a modern woman, a career minded independent thinker who returned to work full time in the mid 1960s after all the children were in school. She taught elementary school for almost 20 years in Portage la Prairie and Winnipeg. She earned her Bachelor of Pedagogy in 1978. This was no small achievement and she was very proud of it. She loved to cook, bake from scratch, knit, sew and do needlepoint. She was an avid reader of mysteries. She was a big fan of Coronation Street. Hazel loved any family vacation that revolved around visiting friends and relatives, especially her 4 grandchildren. She was also quite a card shark and a wit.
In 1984 Hazel and Rex fulfilled a life long dream by retiring to Victoria. They enjoyed traveling during their retirement years. They often visited family and friends in various locations across the country and the USA. They were very enthusiastic about their trip to Hong Kong, Singapore and the Great Wall of China. Another memorable trip was an Alaskan cruise and a return drive along the Alaska Highway.
Hazel spent many hours volunteering. She thoroughly enjoyed filling grocery carts for the Thrifty Foods Sendial Volunteer Shopping Program. Part of her enjoyment came from the good friends she made there and the many lunch dates they had together.
She also volunteered at the local Salvation Army Thrift Store for many years. She found this to be very rewarding and looked forward to her regular mornings there. She had been the school librarian while she was teaching, so it was a natural fit for her to spend time organizing the book shelves at the Salvation Army store. This is where she met Roy. They became very close friends. Their affection for each other was evident and they spent many happy afternoons together.
Hazel was predeceased by her husband Rex and her siblings Roland, Florence, Ivan, Gladys and Anita. She is survived by her brother Lester Moreside of Victoria; by her three children Les, Laurel (Drew) and Lynda (Lincoln); her grandchildren Jenta, Xavier, Glynis and Erica; and her great grandchildren Jackson and Bianca.
The family is very grateful for the wonderful care and support provided to Hazel during her time at The Heights by the staff, her caring companion Della, and Dr. D Layne Woodburn.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 14, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria BC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer Society of BC or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens

Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Hazel Ruth Ames – April 19, 1928 – November 5, 2016.source

avis deces Hazel Ruth Ames – April 19, 1928 – November 5, 2016avis mortuaire Hazel Ruth Ames – April 19, 1928 – November 5, 2016