Obituary of Hazel M. Johnson
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Hazel M.Johnson announces her passing, which occurred on July 1, 2025 peacefully at her home. Hazel was born on June 2, 1929, to Elsie (Burger) and Colin Merrell and lived her childhood on a dairy farm in Hampton, CT.
Upon graduating from Windam High School, Hazel attended Willimantic State Teacher’s College. While at College she was an enthusiastic member of the orchestra where she played the violin. She continued to play for several years thereafter with the Connecticut Symphony.
Hazel began her teaching career in Guilford, CT. For much of Hazel’s career, she taught grade 4 mathematics at Sayles Elementary School in Baltic, CT. Her family remembers many evenings and weekends where their dedicated mother prepared lesson plans, marked papers and planned field trips. She was highly respected, and it was not unusual for students to re-connect, sharing stories of the impact she had on their lives. Hazel also cherished her reunions with past colleagues and Teaching School classmates.
Hazel is pre-deceased (pre-maturely) by her loving husband Mike Blake where they designed and built their own home and raised their 2 sons in Norwich, CT. In the winter, she ensured her boys were active in skiing and other outdoor activities. In the summers, they enjoyed adventures in their camper, travelling throughout the USA as well as spending time at Popham Beach, Maine.
She spent the second half of her life married to Carl Oden Johnson (deceased), living in the tranquility of Coatney Hill, Woodstock, CT. They balanced respect for the property together with quality updates and renovations. Hazel very much enjoyed her new extended family as well as the people and experiences of Woodstock. Upon retirement, they travelled extensively across the USA. Hazel was the driver as Oden shot hours of video capturing the mountains and other landscapes of the country. Other favorite trips included Alaska, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and the Canadian Rockies.
Hazel very much enjoyed gardening, classical music, travel, swimming, nature and reading. Her greatest joy, however, was becoming a grandmother to 2 Granddaughters in her late 60s. Despite this late experience, her longevity allowed her to experience all their milestones throughout their schooling and well into their late 20s.
She is survived by her beloved sons, Mark and Dana (Patti) Blake, and her cherished grandchildren Madison (Logan) and Laura Blake as well as her great granddaughter Avi Blake Vanderlaan. She was blessed with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. Hazel also is predeceased by siblings Jean (Tim) Buckley and George (Jeanette) Merrell.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr Botta, Dr Trevor Vanderlaan and caregivers, Joy, Faye and Shakira. Mark and Dana are forever grateful to their cousin Cathie Beausoleil for her love, support, guidance and keen navigation of the health care system. A special thanks to Pastor Phil Cannistraci for his visits and long-standing fellowship.
Online condolences can be sent to Smith and Walker Funeral Home, Tribute wall. A Christian service and celebration of life will take place at her family home on August 23 at 10:30. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local animal shelter at https://neccoganimalservices.org/how-to-help/