Hazel Laura Nicholson

Dear Auntie, what can I say? You were the very best Auntie and Godmother a girl could ever have. You and Uncle Duke brought so much into my life and that of my family. I hear you singing now "Shanty in old shanty town" and I see you dancing and laughing. Rest well, I will miss you but I know that you are home safe and sound. Love you, Nanette and Terry and family.

My heart hurts...I am going to miss your wonderful smile, sparkling eyes and that great laugh of yours. You helped me become the woman that I am today. You were always kind, compassionate, generous and so loving. I am so glad that I have such wonderful memories to hold onto. You are whole now, no pain or suffering. I thank God for having you in my life! Gary and I will always miss you.

I lost one of my favorite people in the world Friday. Auntie hazel was quick-witted, when hueby would latch on to her leg & started humping she'd say "I still got it!" As if he was some young stud. She always said she never wanted to get old because old people are ugly but at 96 she still looked damn good. last week when i saw her she was a little rough but still good. She was an entertainer she sang & dance up through her 90s getting down w the kitchen clangers. She was so kind and caring when I had chickenpox when I was a young girl she and Gramas Girl took care of me and I remember she got the wrong lotion and grama was so mad. David and I watched ghost with them that night; we had to keep a blanket out to keep covering our eyes with it for anything that was too risky for our innocent eyes. I cherish the phone calls when she would sing to me all old songs esp "don't go under that Apple tree with anyone else but me" She was a great cook in her day though I have not eaten anything she has made in the last seven years after getting terrible food poisoning from her taffy Apple salad that I hid from her and never wanted her to kno. She would invite me over for tuna noodles and I would bring food over from Portillo's or kfc (she was truly addicted to that shit) it was like a game and she would want me so badly to eat her tuna noodles and I would be like oh but my plate is so full. Growing up she & gramas Girl showed me without knowing women don't need a man to be happy she was a true mentor in showing me what independence should be and looked like. And happy she was & so full of life. She was sassy, fashionable and beautiful. I love you aunty. I hope you're enjoying a bloody Mary up there! Xo

I first met Hazel when she and "Duke" came to the cheese factory in Spring Green to visit. She was such a "lady" -- had pierced ears!! Then would see her at all the Nicholson reunions/picnics and heard about her band exploits in later years. She lived life well. Bless her, Alice Nachreiner Sanborn

I would like to express my sincere condolences to the loss of your loved one.In the scriptures Job 14:14,15 and John 5:28, God promises that he will resurrect our loved ones in the near future .I hope that Jehovah , the God of comfort grant you peace. If you have any questions visit www.jw.org

Amazing things I learned, laughed or love about my Auntie Hazel. 1) The day she found out I was pregnant with Emma, she left me a cheerful message that started "this is the Great GREAT Auntie to be, and I'm so excited". I can still hear her voice thought it was 8 years ago. 2) World War II Vets don't dance like the World War I Vets. 3) The story of her throwing a glass of cold water in her grandsons face after he was chasing her around has come in handy with my own children. 4) She embraced life to the fullest and had fun. I'd like to think I get my cheerful disposition and my love for dance from her. 5) She was in a band in her 90's! The kitchen clangers! They played at her 90th birthday party! 6) Her infectious laugh and smile. Lightened a room every time. 7) Parties at her house, both on Cook & Brainerd in libertyville. My mom & her sisters would sing "why not me" by the Judds & my cousin Eric Bowman & I would drink Glenrock pop. Fun times. 8) Staying the night would involve lots of laughs, games, and walks to the lake. She continued to do walks to the lake very late in life. 9) She loved Pizza at Morgan's. Though when I went there in my twenties she was home in bed. Too bad cuz she would have been a hoot! 10) I thank her for fond memories at libertyville carnival, my most cherished egg ornaments signifying my first dog, engagement, wedding & childrens births. 11) she used to deliver meals "to the old people"... She was older than they were. The one thing she once told me when she was in her eighties (like 10 years ago) was that she didn't want to be 90... "Because have you ever seen an attractive 90 year old?!?" And then laughed that infectious laugh. I actually have seen a gorgeous vivacious 96 year old, full of spunk and light. Unfortunately the light burned out. She had a wonderful life, and I intend to live mine the way she did. Thank you for being such a role model, inspiration and a second grandmother. I cherish the time I had with you. My heart is broken. I love you forever. Unfortunately I cannot make it up for the service - but I remember her today and everyday. Love is with you all, Jill, Dan, Emma & Camden