Hazel Laird Brashear Bowser
Hazel Laird Brashear Bowser, 93, of Washington, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 18, 2021, in the Rose Hill Assisted Living Facility in Robbinsville, N.J. Born May 11, 1928, in Huntingdon, she was a daughter of the late Frederick E. and Edith Cowher Laird.
Hazel attended Juniata College, graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree, and certified to teach both Music and English.
While attending Juniata, Hazel met her future husband, Robert “Bob” S. Brashear. They were married August 21, 1948, raised a family, and shared 45 years together until Bob’s passing August 20, 1993.
In 2008, Hazel married Dr. Edward J. Bowser, moving with him to York. Following his death, Hazel moved to Robbinsville, to be closer to her family.
While residing in Washington for over 60 years, Hazel was actively engaged in music, church and community organizations. She was well known as a piano teacher in town, sharing her love of music to students of all ages. After many years as a member of the Church of the Covenant and its choir, she followed Bob to Faith United Presbyterian Church, first as a choir member and then, after Bob’s death, assuming his position of choir director for more than 10 years. Having a great deal of experience as a substitute teacher in area schools, at the age of 50, Hazel was proud to become a full-time English teacher at Trinity High School, where she taught until her retirement 15 years later. After retirement, she continued her commitment to education as a volunteer for the Literacy Council of Southwestern PA, teaching adults how to read and write.
Hazel had an ardent passion for reading, painting, sewing and golf. After losing the use of her right hand to a stroke at the age of 88, she taught herself to paint again using her left hand. Hazel loved to travel and explored the world, gathering inspiration for her paintings, but family vacations to the Outer Banks of North Carolina held the most special place in her heart.
Hazel’s greatest passion was her family. She loved holidays, family celebrations and just spending time together. She sought out joy in everyday life, sharing her compassion, creativity and keen sense of humor. She was devoted to being the best mother, grandmother and friend she could be.
Hazel is survived by her three children, Robert of New York City, N.Y., John (Susan) of Dayton, Ohio, and Amy (Xavier) Miranda of Robbinsville, N.J.; and her sister, Natalie Ozeas Bates of Mt. Lebanon. Also surviving are beloved grandchildren, Micah (Nina), Nathaniel and Daniel Brashear and their mother, Andrea Schwartz; Katy (Brian) Barker and Elizabeth Brashear Fuller; Olivia and John Miranda; great-grandchildren, Roko and Karla Brashear; and her nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society (in recognition of Hazel as both a stroke and breast cancer survivor), or to the Literacy Council of Southwestern PA.