HAZEL SOFIA MILLER (nee NELSON)
passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on May 16, 2015 after a short stay at the Nanaimo hospital. Hazel was born on July 21, 1923 in Skamokawa, Washington, U.S.A. At approximately four years of age her family moved to Canada where her father eventually homesteaded a flat along the Peace River.

Hazel had 9 children. In 1962 Hazel and her 7 youngest children relocated to the Okanagan Valley. Hazel worked a variety of jobs to support her family. She had an entrepreneurial spirit and over the years owned and operated her own businesses. As a single mother she worked hard to support her children and provide them with a good life. Her children are a testament to her success in doing so. Family was very important to Hazel and when her parents were no longer able to live alone she welcomed them into her home. Her mother lived with her for many years.

Hazel relocated to Nanaimo in 2005 to be closer to two of her daughters. In 2012 Hazel moved to the Kiwanis Village assisted living facility where she was cared for by a loving staff many of whom will be remembered fondly by the family.

Predeceased by her sister Olga, Hazel is survived by her three brothers, Ingvar, Roy and Eric Nelson. She is also survived by her nine children: Galin (and Bobbi) Proctor, Gary (and Karen) Proctor, Brian (and Diane) Proctor, Ron Proctor, Randy (and Nancy) Proctor, Sandi (and George) Thomson, Iris Proctor, John (and Galyna) Proctor, Karin (and Shawn) Evans, 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held for Hazel at the First Memorial Funeral Home, 1720 Bowen Road, Nanaimo on Sunday, September 6, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.