Hazel Mary Burns

Hazel Mary Burns, 98, of New Buffalo, was among the young at heart until she died peacefully in her home on Friday, August 24, 2012. Arrangements have been entrusted with Sommerfeld Chapel of New Buffalo.Hazel was born February 3, 1914, in Chicago to Herman and Frieda (Eberhardt) Schmitt. She was the beloved wife of the late John M. Burns and Francis T. Ray; treasured mother of the late Thomas R. Ray; grandmother of Rebecca Ray, Leah (Jake) Seid, both of Chicago, and Caitlyn (Josh) Cummings of Wheat Ridge, CO, and their mother Vivian Nash of Chicago; sister of the late Margaret (Schmitt) Burns and Eleanor Schmitt. She will be terribly missed by her devoted friend Janet Hayes.Hazel retired in 1980 after 25 years with the Chicago Public Library System. At the age of 86, Hazel moved to her new house in New Buffalo in 2000, shortly after her son’s death. However, she was no stranger to the area since she supported her son’s many community and volunteer projects. If there was a list to be updated on the computer, a mailing to be stuffed or copy to be proofed, Hazel gleefully pitched in. To many, she was Harbor Country’s Mrs. Claus during several of Santa’s visits to the New Buffalo Railroad Museum and Hannah’s. She was the unofficial secretary-treasurer of her Friday night dinner group with “The Girls” and a member of St. Mary of the Lake Altar & Rosary Society.A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, August 28, 11:00 am, at St. Mary of the Lake Church, New Buffalo, with Father Craig Lusk officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, New Buffalo. Visitation is on Monday from 5:00-8:00pm at Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary of the Lake School. Friends wishing to leave a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com