Obituary for Hazel Florence Lee
Hazel F. Lee
May 5, 1930-November 22, 2021
Hazel Florence Webb was born in Los Angeles to Walter J. Webb (1894-1989) and Jessie A. (Anstiss) Webb (1898-1973). She passed away in Portland, Oregon.
Just before her fourth birthday, Hazel’s parents negotiated a sight-unseen property swap with folks in Mosier, Oregon. Soon after, the family relocated to the small town in the Columbia River Gorge. The Webb family lived in several places in Mosier, most famously the big yellow house on 4th Ave., with 54 steep steps leading to the front door. Hazel cherished her childhood in Mosier. She attended Mosier grade school and high school.
During her senior year, Hazel met the love of her life, Odell F. Lee, from Hood River. They married on June 19, 1948, shortly after Hazel’s graduation. Odell and Hazel made their first home together in Veneta, Oregon. With Odell’s carpentry skills and Hazel’s creative eye, they refurbished a small structure into a cozy home where they lived for several years. In May 1950, son Gary was born, joined by another son, Steven, in August 1951. After Veneta, Hazel and Odell moved to Portland, living first on SE Flavel Street, then on NE Wasco Street. In February 1956, son Robert was born, followed by son Pat in June 1959. The Wasco Street residence was small, and with four boys, the family needed more room. In the early ‘60s, Odell made a deal to have a house moved to their Wasco Street property, greatly expanding the family’s living space. Hazel was so excited, and to the boys, it was a grand event. At this time, there were other family members living on Wasco Street as well. It was a happy place to live and raise a family. It was also not too far from Mosier, and the family traveled there often to reminisce and tell stories. After 15 or so years on Wasco Street, Hazel and Odell moved to NE 160th Street in Portland, in 1971. Hazel was still residing in this home at the time of her passing.
Hazel was a woman of abundant talents and numerous accomplishments, mostly self-taught and many stemming out of necessity. She was an excellent seamstress, and sewed her boys’ school shirts, made fancy square dancing dresses, and created a beautiful wedding dress for a daughter-in-law. She made adorable dolls, stuffed toys and quilts for grandchildren. She was a phenomenal baker and cook—there were always baked goodies on hand for visitors, and her Christmas treats were legendary. Hazel was an exquisite gardener and had a natural green thumb. She tended to the loveliest roses, raised the tastiest raspberries and grew from seed all the flowers used at a son’s wedding reception. She liked to take trips to gather rocks, which she used to build walls and ponds in her beautiful yard—she could tell you where every rock came from! Hazel was a whiz at budgeting and at running a household, making every penny count and skillfully stretching resources, while maintaining a loving, nurturing home.
Hazel enjoyed many things, including camping trips, doll collecting, antiquing and simply sitting in her garden, where you could usually find her on a sunny day. In retirement, Hazel and Odell built a garden railroad that was so impressive, it drew visitors from all over the world. They were even filmed for television. Most of all, Hazel enjoyed her family; they were her pride and joy. She delighted in every visit, phone call, letter and Facebook interaction.
Hazel was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her brother Walter Webb, sister Gladys Roberts, and grandson Austin Lee. She is survived by her four sons Gary (Jonette), Steven (Sharon), Robert, Patrick (Melody); nine grandchildren Michele Lanter (Brandon), Justin Lee (Jenifer), Brandon Lee (Allyson), Cassandra Locke (Aaron), Stephanie Mahaffey, Carson Lee, Dallas Lee, Bryce Lee, Collin Lee; and seven great-grandchildren Chase Bross, Madeline Lanter, Alexis Lee, Aiden Lee, Gabriella Locke, Eva Locke and Isla Locke. Hazel is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Hazel was an incredible daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She was the sweetest and dearest person, loved by all, and the family misses her terribly.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
May 5, 1930-November 22, 2021
Hazel Florence Webb was born in Los Angeles to Walter J. Webb (1894-1989) and Jessie A. (Anstiss) Webb (1898-1973). She passed away in Portland, Oregon.
Just before her fourth birthday, Hazel’s parents negotiated a sight-unseen property swap with folks in Mosier, Oregon. Soon after, the family relocated to the small town in the Columbia River Gorge. The Webb family lived in several places in Mosier, most famously the big yellow house on 4th Ave., with 54 steep steps leading to the front door. Hazel cherished her childhood in Mosier. She attended Mosier grade school and high school.
During her senior year, Hazel met the love of her life, Odell F. Lee, from Hood River. They married on June 19, 1948, shortly after Hazel’s graduation. Odell and Hazel made their first home together in Veneta, Oregon. With Odell’s carpentry skills and Hazel’s creative eye, they refurbished a small structure into a cozy home where they lived for several years. In May 1950, son Gary was born, joined by another son, Steven, in August 1951. After Veneta, Hazel and Odell moved to Portland, living first on SE Flavel Street, then on NE Wasco Street. In February 1956, son Robert was born, followed by son Pat in June 1959. The Wasco Street residence was small, and with four boys, the family needed more room. In the early ‘60s, Odell made a deal to have a house moved to their Wasco Street property, greatly expanding the family’s living space. Hazel was so excited, and to the boys, it was a grand event. At this time, there were other family members living on Wasco Street as well. It was a happy place to live and raise a family. It was also not too far from Mosier, and the family traveled there often to reminisce and tell stories. After 15 or so years on Wasco Street, Hazel and Odell moved to NE 160th Street in Portland, in 1971. Hazel was still residing in this home at the time of her passing.
Hazel was a woman of abundant talents and numerous accomplishments, mostly self-taught and many stemming out of necessity. She was an excellent seamstress, and sewed her boys’ school shirts, made fancy square dancing dresses, and created a beautiful wedding dress for a daughter-in-law. She made adorable dolls, stuffed toys and quilts for grandchildren. She was a phenomenal baker and cook—there were always baked goodies on hand for visitors, and her Christmas treats were legendary. Hazel was an exquisite gardener and had a natural green thumb. She tended to the loveliest roses, raised the tastiest raspberries and grew from seed all the flowers used at a son’s wedding reception. She liked to take trips to gather rocks, which she used to build walls and ponds in her beautiful yard—she could tell you where every rock came from! Hazel was a whiz at budgeting and at running a household, making every penny count and skillfully stretching resources, while maintaining a loving, nurturing home.
Hazel enjoyed many things, including camping trips, doll collecting, antiquing and simply sitting in her garden, where you could usually find her on a sunny day. In retirement, Hazel and Odell built a garden railroad that was so impressive, it drew visitors from all over the world. They were even filmed for television. Most of all, Hazel enjoyed her family; they were her pride and joy. She delighted in every visit, phone call, letter and Facebook interaction.
Hazel was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her brother Walter Webb, sister Gladys Roberts, and grandson Austin Lee. She is survived by her four sons Gary (Jonette), Steven (Sharon), Robert, Patrick (Melody); nine grandchildren Michele Lanter (Brandon), Justin Lee (Jenifer), Brandon Lee (Allyson), Cassandra Locke (Aaron), Stephanie Mahaffey, Carson Lee, Dallas Lee, Bryce Lee, Collin Lee; and seven great-grandchildren Chase Bross, Madeline Lanter, Alexis Lee, Aiden Lee, Gabriella Locke, Eva Locke and Isla Locke. Hazel is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Hazel was an incredible daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She was the sweetest and dearest person, loved by all, and the family misses her terribly.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.