Hazel Irene (Rusk) Maisonneuve

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Hazel Maisonneuve of Fort St. John, BC on the morning of November 27, 2021 at the age of 86.  After a long and courageous struggle with dementia she passed away suddenly and peacefully, in the presence of family at the Peace Villa Care Home.

Hazel (the youngest of 7) was born on March 14, 1935  in Lacombe, AB to parents Gordon and Annie Rusk. Hazel graduated from High School in Lacombe and started working in the office at McTaggart Motors where she met her future husband, Ted.  He was working there and playing hockey for the Lacombe Rockets. They were married in June of 1956 in Lacombe. They first lived in Donnelly, AB, home to Ted’s large extended family, where their children Susan and Tim were born. They moved to Dawson Creek, BC in 1963 where Mike and then Kathy completed their family. They raised their young family there until 1974 when they moved to Fort St. John, BC where Ted had been the manager of the Swanson Lumber mill since 1971. They continued to live there after they retired.    

After she was married Hazel’s focus was making a loving home and caring for her young family, which she loved dearly.  She was an amazing mother and loving grandmother. She worked tirelessly, solo parenting at times, when Ted was away at camp working. She operated “Mom’s taxi”, taking her kids to their activities; hockey, baseball, dance class, girl guides, brownies, figure skating and even accordion lessons. She enjoyed watching her kids play sports and going to their performances. Hazel was a really good cook. We enjoyed her baking and delicious meals. Christmas was Hazel’s favorite holiday and she provided a wonderful feast that started after midnight mass and continued to Boxing Day.

Hazel liked to sew, knit and crochet and belonged to the CWL for over 25 years and enjoyed sharing her crafts and baking for fundraisers, and volunteering her time when needed. She liked long car rides and road trips; for visits, camping and summer holidays with relatives and friends. Ted and Hazel travelled throughout central and eastern Canada and many US states with memorable trips to Disneyland, Nashville, Graceland and Hawaii. They also travelled to Europe visiting London, Paris and Rome. Hazel liked music, singing, shopping, movies & popcorn, her flower gardens, coffee with friends, and walking.

We deeply love and will miss her forever. Hazel was the heart of our family and she could always make us smile or laugh when we needed it most. She is going home to Lacombe for her final resting place.

Hazel was predeceased by her parents, Gordon and Annie Rusk; her siblings, Marjorie (Bill), Frances (Dusty), Fred (Margo), Velma (Fritz), Vivian (Bob), and Viola (Lorne); her nieces Patty and Sandra; Ted’s parents Honoré and Laura Maisonneuve; in laws Roger M., Roger F., Roger B., and Constant; and her nephews Joel F. and Randy.

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Ted Maisonneuve; her children, Susan (Gary), Tim (Linda), Mike (Linda) and Kathy;  grandchildren, Jennifer (Kevin), Diane (Trevor), Justin, Torey, Colbi, and  Nick;  great grandchildren, Gillian, Linley, Avery and Kai; in laws Lucette, Georgette, Laurette, Therese, Guy (Janet), Gilbert (Martine), Yvonne (Gerry), Rene (Murray), and Remi (Julie); as well as 22 nieces, 16 nephews, extended family and friends.

There will be a Private Family Viewing at Wilson’s Funeral Chapel in Lacombe, AB on December 10th, 2021

A Graveside Service and Interment will be held at the Lacombe Fairview Cemetery on December 10th, 2021 at 2:00 pm. Please meet at Wilson's Funeral Chapel at 1:45 pm and we will all process over to the cemetery together. 

The family would like to thank all of the staff at the Peace Villa Care Home in Fort St. John, BC for their kindness, attention and dedication while caring for Hazel over the last two and a half years.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Hazel to:

• The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation-(Peace Villa Fund) at http://fsjhospitalfoundation.ca
• Or a local hospital, care centre or Alzheimer society of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Hazel Irene (Rusk) Maisonneuve, please visit our floral store.