Hazel Helen Houston

October 11, 1924 - December 11, 2008

Resident of Oakland, California, Hazel passed away on December 11, 2008 after a valiant, yet mercifully brief, bout with cancer.  Hazel was a beloved sister to Sam and Mary Houston of Orinda and Chuck and Sally Houston of Walnut Creek.  She was afavorite aunt to 10 nieces and nephews and countless grand nieces and nephews.  She has many cousins and family around the U.S. and enjoyed working on a family book on genealogy.  She brought fun to every family celebration.

Hazel graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in economics in 1946.  She previously attended Reed College.  She lived most of her life in the California Bay Area and was a long time resident of Sheffield Village since 1969 where she was a dedicated community activist.  She fought the development of the hill above the village in the 1970s, 1990s and in the 2000s as part of neighborhood groups that eventually secured Dunsmuir Heights and surrounding properties as open space through City of Oakland Measures K and WW. 

She spent numerous childhood years in Guaymas, Mexico, where her father worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad.  It was there she learned Spanish and her love of the Mexican culture.  She also became an expert in preparing Mexican delicacies.  She remained fluent as an adult and worked as a volunteer in the Oakland school system tutoring students.  She also volunteered assisting Hispanic adults file their tax returns.

She was a world traveler and especially enjoyed returning to Mexico and a special trip with her brother to visit the small town where they had lived.  Hazel was employed at the post office for many years.  She also worked at the Oakland Museum and was a volunteer docent.  She enjoyed going to meetings and on trips with her Cal Singles group.  She was a long-time member of the First Congregational Church of Oakland.  Her love of nature was perhaps seen most clearly in her life-long interest in birding in this country and throughout the world, and in her constant companionship with rescued dog and cat pets living with her in her home.  She was an adventurous diner and loved to taste new cuisine and try the newest restaurants in town.

Hazel was a kind, intelligent, gnerous person who lived her life with integrity, honestry, and a wonderfully joyful spirit.  She will be missed.

Bay Area News Group, January 27, 2009