Hazel Dorothy Heavysege, 86, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, died Jan. 20, 2016, surrounded by her loving daughter, her two granddaughters and her daughter’s best friend, Pam.

She was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to Alice and Wallace Shaw but she bled red, white and blue all the way through.

Hazel or “H” as she was known by her friends was the matriarch of our family. She always said “Remember everyone you meet is the face of God and he (or she) is in all of us and God is love.” As humble as she was, we know, God sent us an angel to fill our hearts with the love she shared to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was fiercely independent, was not afraid to share her opinions and would protect her loved ones with insurmountable strength. She had a kind and generous heart with a loving shoulder to cry on and she just wanted everyone to be happy. She would be the first person to volunteer her time, her home for potlucks and late night garage parties. She brought joy to all she met and will be greatly missed by those who knew her.

When we think of Hazel, we think of this quote (author unknown) “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming WOW — what a ride.”

Hazel left behind her daughter, Mallory; son-in-law Bill Wilson; granddaughters Dawn Velarde and Brigitt Rains; grandson Jay Velarde; great-grandsons Jordan and Talen; and very special friends Pam and Tom Beaver. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten!

A celebration of Hazel’s life and loving spirit will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016. Location to be determined later. Contact rainscda@aol.com for details.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.