Proud Midwesterner worked in Wakefield schools
WAKEFIELD — Hazel J. (Daine) Powell was a resident of Forestdale Park Assisted Living Facility in Malden for the past 21 months. She was a former longtime resident of Wakefield and then later moved to Peabody where she and her husband resided for 26 years. She passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at the Kaplan Hospice House in Danvers. She was 98.
Hazel was born in Peru, Indiana on March 25, 1923. She is one of six children of the late Francis Daine and Kathryn (Draving) Eckels. She grew up in Peru and graduated from Peru High School. Hazel was proud of her Midwestern roots and traveled many times to visit family and friends. She always carried that Midwestern kindness with her.
Hazel met her beloved James H. Powell, III while he was a flight instructor at the Naval Air Station Bunker Hill, now Grissom Air Force Base, and they were married on June 30, 1944. They went on to share a remarkable 75 years together.
After James’ service in the Navy Air Corps, they resided in Melrose a short time before settling in Wakefield, MA to raise their family. Hazel worked for many years as a secretary in the Wakefield School System where she acquired many lifelong friends.
Devoted to her family, Hazel was happiest and content when she was home. She was exceptionally active in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Hazel loved to sew, crochet, knit and play a good game of bridge with friends. She also enjoyed cooking, family gatherings and reading a good book. She loved wintering in Venice, Florida as well as the family cottage during the summer months in Oxford, Maine.
Hazel was the beloved wife of the late James H. Powell III with whom she shared 75 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Kathy Powell of Saugus, MA and James H. Powell, Jr., of Holyoke, MA. Dear sister of the late Thomas, Charles, and Richard Daine, Charlene Frey, and June Kingery. Loving grandmother of Matthew Cummings, Jennifer Barry, and Jimmy Powell. Proud great-grandmother of Jackie Barry. Also, survived by many nieces and nephews.
Hazel’s love, caring, kindness and big heart will be missed by all those she touched throughout her life. Services will be private. For online tribute visit www.RobinsonFuneralHome.com
