Hazel Diane Messenger

It is with a broken heart that I announce the passing of my beautiful mom, Hazel Diane Messenger on October 10, 2024 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital at the age of 75.

Born in Glace Bay on November 7th, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Mary Alice Messenger.

She was predeceased by many aunts, uncles and cousins; and her special grand fur baby Bella.

Hazel is survived by her loving daughter Corry Anne (Charlie) Smith, grandsons Tyler (Meagan) and Logan; sisters Ruth (Roger) MacNeil, Marie (Tony) MacPherson, Evelyn (Brian) Gouthro and brother Harold (Tillie) Messenger. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins who loved her very much.

In Mom’s early years she dedicated her time volunteering teaching the children of Dominion-Bridgeport Nursery School for 25 years. She worked many customer service jobs until she retired from Needs in Glace Bay in 2013.

For several years she played on a women’s dart league. In her free time Mom loved to spend time with her family and friends whether it was a game of cards, a game night, a rum and a dance or just having a tea and watching her soaps.

A woman of great faith, Mom has always been involved in the church. She was an active member of the Church of the Good Shepherd group for many years which she considered her second family.

Mom’s life gained a whole new purpose when she became a grandmother. There is no love like the love she had for her boys Tyler and Logan. She absolutely loved watching them grow up and spending all the time she could with them. Their most favourite thing to do was to hop on the bus and go out for a shopping day that always ended with them eating out.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Forest Haven Memorial Gardens. 

There will be a visitation at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay on Thursday, October 17th from 6 pm - 9 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Dominion on Friday, October 18th at 11 a.m. with Rev. Darlene Fewer officiating, with a reception to follow.

Donations in Mom’s memory can be made to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Cancer Foundation or the An Cala Palliative Care unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

Special thanks to my niece Jenna Smith for the loving care she provided to Mom during her last months at home. Also, a thank you to the staff at the An Cala unit of the Regional Hospital for their wonderful care and compassion given to Mom during her last days.

If I had to pick one word to describe my Mom it would be fierce. She fought every battle life threw her way and never wavered. She was the strongest person I’ve ever known. She was my favourite person, my best friend, my warrior Momma.