Obituary of Hazel E. Atkinson

Hazel E. (Lewis) Atkinson, age 90, of Painted Post, NY, went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 20, 2021 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA, with her family by her side. The eldest of 8, she was born at home on February 16, 1931 in Charleston Twp., PA, the daughter of Farrand and Kathryn (Dean) Lewis. Hazel worked for Corning, Inc., retiring after 37 years of service. She was an active member of her community, involved in many organizations including the Tioga Fireman's Auxiliary, Wellsboro Moose & Corning Moose, volunteered at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital, was secretary of the Recreational Club, and President of Sherwood Manor Tenant Council. Hazel lived in Arizona with her youngest son from 2008 until her return home in 2015. During her time there she worked for 4 years at H&R Block and 11 years at the West Valley Hospital Gift Shop. She loved her dog, Ringo, the warm weather and made many friends in her time there. To know Hazel was to love her. She was a strong, feisty (her email was leadfoothaz), hardworking, determined, independent, big hearted soul whose zest for life was great and love for her family even greater. Those qualities are why she was able to live independently to almost 91 years of age. She said what was on her mind, whether you wished to hear it or not, but you always knew if you wanted an authentic answer, she would tell you. Hazel prided herself on her presentation, her hair and nails were always maintained and her love of clothes and jewelry did not go unnoticed. Hazel enjoyed collecting roosters, baking for her friends and family and playing cards, specifically Canasta. Hazel knew she was a daughter of the King and when he was ready for her to come home, she would live in eternity until she sees us again. Hazel is survived by four sons, James F. (Jean Rose) Atkinson of Lindley, NY, David R. (Alberta) Atkinson of Cameron Mills, NY, Brian S. (Jennifer) Atkinson of Tioga, PA, and Larry A. Atkinson of Goodyear, AZ; two daughters, Kathryn Louise (Dave) Mosher of Addison, NY, and Laurie A. Brooks of Louisville, KY; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; a brother, Dean (Shirley) Lewis of Tioga, PA; four sisters, Anna Rose of Wellsboro, PA, Norma Heck of Tioga, PA, Jane (Fred) Hilfiger of Covington, PA, and Phyllis Hilfiger of Mosherville, PA; along with a sister-in-law, Jerry Louis of Wellsboro, PA. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Shirley Rose, and Hilda Patterson; a brother, Ralph (Elmer) Lewis; two brothers-in-law, Lee Hilfiger, and Donald Heck; and a grandson, Thrace Sampson. Friends and family are invited to call on Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 5-6pm at Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc. 637 S. Main St. Mansfield, PA. A memorial service will follow at 6pm with Pastor Harry Colegrove officiating.