Wright, Hazel Ruth

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2012 MWA Alumnus of the Year

Birth:        July 7, 1939 in Hinckley, Pine Co., MN
Death:       October 27, 2020 in Oronoko Twp., Berrien Co., MI
Burial:      Rose Hill Cemetery, Berrien Springs, Berrien Co., MI
Findagrave:   223684282
Spouse:   Wayne Wright
Parents:   Shelby Fillmore Garner and Alma Marie Lorentzen

Obituary:

Hazel R. Wright, 81, of Berrien Springs, died early Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, at her home.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2, at Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University, where friends are invited to visit beginning at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Berrien Springs. Memorial donations may be made to Neighbor to Neighbor, Berrien Springs (www.n2nhelps.com). Messages and memories may be shared online at www.allredfuneralhome.com.

Hazel was born July 7, 1939 in Hinckley, Minn., the daughter of Shelby and Alma (Lorentzen) Garner. She came to Berrien Springs in 1957 to attend college, and after her sophomore year, she married Wayne Wright and began working for Leco Corporation in St. Joseph. In 1962, their son, David, was born; he lived only three-and-a half years.

Following her return to college and finishing her bachelor’s degree in 1971, Hazel taught physical education and reading at the Berrien Springs Middle School, and in 1974 she began the reading lab. During this time she also continued her education by earning her master’s degree, and in 1983 she graduated with her doctorate degree.

She served as head of the Lake Michigan College Reading Lab from 1984-1994, and then returned to Berrien Springs as assistant to the superintendent until her retirement in 2001.

Hazel is survived by her husband, Wayne, who lovingly cared for her during her physical challenges; and two sisters: Marguerite (Duane) Marietta of The Villages, Fla., and Jeanette (Elliott) Fortner of Loveland, Colo.

Final Resting Place, Rose Hill Cemetery, Rose Hill Road, Berrien Springs, MI 49103

Allred Funeral Home – https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/18763892/Hazel-R-Wright

Editor’s Note:
In 2012, Hazel (Garner) Wright (MWA Class of 1957) was selected as the Maplewood Academy Alumnus of the Year for her long-standing dedication to her alma mater, she and her husband Wayne often hosting the Maplewood Alumni Berrien Springs, Michigan Chapter meetings in their home.