Annette Hazel Kish, 76

Annette Hazel Kish, age 76, passed away at home on October 13th, 2022, surrounded by family following a seven-month battle with cancer.

Annette Anne Dunton was born in Missoula, Montana on June 10, 1946, to Clara Marceau Dunton and Richard A Dunton.

She was married to Harry “Bud” Hazel in 1965, and together they raised four children and were married for 20 years.

Annette enjoyed a successful career as a professional singer, voice teacher, and as a soloist/Cantor for the Catholic Dioceses, serving as the primary Cantor at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Spokane for 20 years, and as a soprano soloist at First Presbyterian Church. Annette starred in numerous musical productions across the United States including operas, musicals, solo performances with various symphony orchestras, along with numerous collaborations with the Spokane Symphony. In addition to her performance career, she worked as a vocal coach and dedicated vocal teacher for countless students and served as an Artist in Residence at North Idaho College, teaching voice. For Annette, singing was a passion grounded in her desire to minister to others.

Annette later married Raymond Kish on May 5th, 1995 at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Spokane. They attended many services together at the Cathedral and at First Presbyterian Church, where they had originally met together in the choir.

Annette enjoyed many friendships and passionately loved all of the people in her life. She had many interests, including, kayaking and boating around lake Coeur d’Alene, Pilates, Ragdoll kitties, reading Richard Rohr, and many other books written by religious scholars. She also loved spending winters in Tuscon and international travel.

Annette made a positive difference in so many peoples’ lives through her involvement with Catholic Charities and the authentic generosity shown toward the many people she encountered. Her many gifts were punctuated by a hearty and ready laugh and a tremendously compassionate spirit.

She will be deeply missed by those left behind. She was survived by her husband Raymond Kish, her children Michael Hazel (Izumi), Joel Hazel (Christa), Noelle Wilkins (Deon), Tony Hazel (Anna), and stepdaughter Lisa Kish-Pittman (Pete).

Annette also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Ayano, Avery, Necole, Joanna, Cooper, Emma, Brock, Julia, and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Tom Dunton (Phyllis) and is survived by siblings Delma Grubich, Dick Dunton (Pat), Linda Ramharter (Brent), and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Saturday, Oct 29th at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Spokane, Wash. with a reception to follow.

Annette will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity close to your heart. Some of our favorites are Team Gleason, Adult & Teen Challenge-Spokane campus, Rocky Mountain Care Foundation (c/o Crest Home Health & Hospice), Mark Rypien Foundation, and Christ Kitchen.