Hazel Pearl Guddat

Obituary Hazel Pearl Guddat Our beautiful Mother, Hazel Pearl Guddat (Pitts) was born to this world on July 14, 1921 in Donora, PA and left this earth to begin her new adventure with the Lord on September 12, 2013, 92+years later. Hazel made a positive impact on everyone she met through her open heart and positive attitude that made everyone a friend. Hazel's family relocated to Portland, OR during her 16th year. She attended Girls Poly High School and was honored to represent Girls Poly as their Rose Festival Princess in 1938. Even though she did not become the Rose Festival Queen, she did catch the eye of her future husband Ray Guddat, whom she married in 1940, remaining a loving companion until his passing in 1997. During their 57 years together, Hazel and Ray, who was also known as "Big Daddy," had five children. Juanita Cunningham (Robert/Mont) of Damascus, OR, Jerry Guddat (Bonnie) of Kent, WA, Jay Guddat (Patsy) of Bailey, CO, Jeffery Guddat (Sharon) of Auburn, WA, and Jeanette Haggerty (David) of Tacoma, WA. Hazel was also blessed with 15 grandchildren, one deceased, 30 great-grandchildren, one deceased, and 9 great-great-grandchildren. While Hazel had many treasures in her life, none were more cherished than her family. After moving the family to a 10 acre farm east of Gresham, OR for several years where they raised their family and many different farm animals and crops, in 1967 Ray's work took the family to Marysville, WA. While in Marysville, Hazel started to work with the Tulalip Indians, teaching the young children to read and to better understand their native heritage. To add to her skills to teach the children about their heritage, she worked with tribal elders who shared with her many of their traditions and culture. This was indeed a position of trust seldom shared outside their tribe. In 1973, Ray's work again required relocating the family. By this time, only Jeanette remained at home. They relocated to the Tacoma area, purchasing a home in Fircrest, WA where Hazel remained until 2012. During her working years in Fircrest, she again pursued her passion of working with Native American children, this time with the Puyallup Indians. After retiring from work, Hazel became much more active in her parish at St. Charles Borromeo. She loved working on the Grief Committee for funerals and enjoyed meeting with the Rosary Group weekly. In 2012, being no longer able to live in her house on her own, she moved into Bridgeport Place Assisted Living in University Place, WA. She quickly adapted to her new life style and became known as "Smiley" for her always pleasant demeanor. Hazel always said; following Ray's passing in 1997; that she didn't think there was anyone else who could fill "Big Daddy's" shoes. Instead she made many new friends at church who, with her family, kept her very busy until her passing. Hazel's family would like to thank her many friends at St. Charles Borromeo; her personal physician Dr. Christen Vu, who went above and beyond her call of duty in treating Hazel; the loving staff at Bridgeport Place Assisted Living, who gave Mother such wonderful care throughout her stay; and the staff at Franciscan Hospice and Palliative Care, who with Dr. Vu made Hazel's life so peaceful until her passing. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 27, 2013 at 11:00am at St. Charles Borromeo, 7112 S. 12th St., Tacoma, WA 98465. A Rosary will be recited on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 5:00pm at Gaffney Funeral Home, 1002 S. Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405. Inurnment at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Friends of Puget Sound Assisted Living, 7716 Bridgeport Way West, Lakewood, WA 98499; Franciscan Hospice and Palliative Care, P.O. Box 1502, Tacoma, WA 98401; or to the charity of your choice. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.