Funeral Service

Time: 10.30am

Date: Wednesday 4th December 2019

Service Details:
The service will be held in Whalley Parish Church, Church Lane, followed by cremation at Accrington Crematorium at 11.20am. Afterwards, there will be a celebration of life at The Foxfields Country Hotel in Billington (from 11:30am for those not wishing to attend the committal)

Hazel Blockley

On 19th November, 2019 at her home in Billington, Hazel aged 81 years, passed away peacefully in her husband’s arms. 

Dearly loved wife of Raymond, loving Mum to Gail, Victoria and Rachael, devoted Nana to Harry, Hannah and Alishia and dear sister of the late Audrey.

Hazel began her working life at English Electric in Clayton-le-Moors as a payroll clerk, where she met her soul mate Raymond, marrying him in 1956. Their eldest daughter Gail was born a year later and Hazel left work to raise her first born. She returned to work as a result of a special request from English Electric to provide maternity cover for the Payroll Manager. She then moved on to Prestige in Blackburn as Payroll Manager where she worked for many years, retiring in 1973 to focus on family. Hazel and Ray tried for many years to have more children and were eventually successful  in 1975 when Hazel immersed herself into the role of full time Mum  to her younger daughters, Victoria and Rachael. 

Hazel was a doting and proud Mum, she cherished her daughters with all her heart. That boundless love extended to her grandchildren as she embraced the role of  Grandma. Hazel  was instrumental in their upbringing, lovingly caring for each of them as Gail, Victoria and Rachael all returned to work. Nana dutifully cared for her grandchildren exactly as her daughters wanted. Hazel cherished her grandchildren as they did her. Time spent with her family is what Hazel looked forward to most, even more so as she battled the condition that finally claimed her. 

Hazel and Raymond were truly blessed to have enjoyed 63 years of a loving and happy marriage. They spent their lives as one, totally besotted and dedicated to each other. Having both lost their mothers, they worked through life’s ups and downs together. Every turn in their journey was done hand in hand with so much love for each other. As a young couple, they thoroughly enjoyed the dance halls; their signature Jive clearing the dance floor for all to watch in awe as Ray swung his dear Hazel across the boards.  Later in life they loved to travel, soaking up the culture, wine and cuisine across multiple continents, but Hazel always loved to come home. 

Hazel will be remembered for her smile, her amazing roast potatoes, her love of DRY sherry and ultimately her devotion, pride and love for her soulmate Ray and family.

Donations are being grateful received in Hazel’s memory, on behalf of Diabetes UK.