Hazel Irene Hamm

On the evening of March 16, 2017 Hazel Irene Hamm passed away peacefully with her granddaughter Staci Smith and fiancé Brent Doeren by her side in Valrico, Florida. Hazel was 92 years old. Hazel Hamm was born in Bloomington, Indiana on January 10, 1925. She was the youngest of seven children. Hazel met her husband of 53 years; Paul Hamm and they married in 1963. They were soul mates. Paul and Hazel enjoyed every moment with each other, from raising their son Wayne to taking care of their show horses to caring for their only grandchild, Staci Smith. They enjoyed traveling the country with their horses. When Staci was born, Hazel retired from The Café Pizzaria in downtown Bloomington, where she had worked for nearly 30 years. They cherished every minute with Staci and helped to teach her to be a strong, independent woman. Hazel was a member of the Ellettsville Church of Christ for many years. Her and Paul had lifelong friends from church, who helped them anytime they needed it. Hazel was a faithful Christian who always stood by her beliefs and loved God. When Hazel was 90 years old, she moved to Valrico, Florida to live with Staci. She had lost her vision but not her strong will and fearless heart. Even without sight, she enjoyed each day she had with family. She even went on her first trip out of the country, a cruise to the southern Caribbean. Hazel taught us all that we are stronger and braver than we think and was an incredible inspiration. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband Paul Hamm, son Wayne Smith, father John Hartman, mother Goldie Hartman, sisters: Helen Fox and Marie Hedrick, and brothers Raymond, Bernard, and Robert Hartman. Hazel is survived by her granddaughter Staci Smith, her sister Jean Chandler, and many more wonderful friends and family. Special thanks to the Doeren Family. Mark, Carol, and Brent Doeren opened their home to Hazel when she moved to Florida. They helped Staci care for her and were undeniably selfless and devoted to helping Hazel. Hazel loved them dearly. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Chandler Funeral Home in Ellettsville, Indiana at 1 p.m. Burial is to follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until time of services.

Hazel Irene Hamm

January 10, 1925 - March 16, 2017