Hazel M. Nau, 93
Hazel M. Nau, 93, died Sept. 14, 2015, surrounded by her family and loved ones. With love and broken hearts we say farewell to our mother — a loving, caring and giving person.
Hazel was born in Albany, Minnesota, on March 15, 1922. After high school she attended beauty school in Minneapolis and during that time she met and married E.C. “Bud” Nau on June 2, 1941; Bud preceded her in death in 1992.
Hazel was a member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church for 64 years. Going to church every Saturday night with one of her children or friends and then to dinner was the “highlight” of her week. God was always part of our mother’s life; he was her refuge and strength. Hazel fought the good fight; she finished the race and had kept the faith.
Mom was the proud mother of six sons and three daughters, sons Don and wife Nancy of Eugene, Oregon, Bob and wife Mary Ann of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Tom and wife Annette of Great Falls, Ron and wife Karen of Columbia Falls, Charlie and wife Patty of Missoula, and Kenny and wife Sharon of Kalispell; daughters, Sharon and husband Dewey Coursey of Eureka; Mary and husband Dick Sonju of Kalispell, and Rose and husband Kermit Johnsrud of Kalispell. Her sister Mary Ann Grausam also survives her, along with sisters-in-law Marge Grausam, Anne Whelchel and Ginny Nau.
Mom and Dad left a legacy of over 90 grandchildren. There were many gatherings at our home or at our cabin on Echo Lake that were loud, full of laughter, storytelling and great homemade food. Everyone always wanted one more helping of mom’s special pie, cinnamon rolls, or fresh vegetables from her garden. Mom always was there to listen to anyone’s problems without judgment, finding the good in everyone no matter the circumstance. Mom’s Christmas Eve party was not one to forget, she always had something special happen on Christmas Eve. Hazel always proclaimed she was a “tough old bird,” never to complain about herself or troubles she might have faced.
Some of her favorite memories were times at the cabin on Echo Lake catching fish, dancing and playing cards with family and friends. She also spent many hours caring for her flowers, gardening and sitting on her outside swing marveling at Mother Nature.
The verse by David M. Romano would have been one of Mom’s thoughts. “So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me I’m right here in your heart.”
A visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Kalispell.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Hazel’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Hazel’s guest book.