Obituary of Hazel Decareau

Hazel A. Decareau, a woman who devoted herself to caring for her family, friends, and neighbors, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday morning, August 25, 2016. She was 91 years old. Hazel was born and raised in Lynn. She was one of six children born to Albert and Hazel Goudreau. She graduated from high school during World War II and immediately went to work to help in the war efforts at General Electric in Lynn. It was during the war that she met and courted Peter Decareau. Peter would enlist in the Navy to serve his country in the War. In 1945, while Peter was on leave from the LCS 130 from the Pacific, they were married at St. Joseph Church in Lynn complete with a military honor guard. She was blessed to have a marriage that would last 71 years filled love, cooperation, mutual respect, and knowing each other’s habits, convictions, and passions, and filled with laughter, love, family, friendship, and kindness. Hazel spent many years as a homemaker, raising her children and running all the affairs of her home. As her children grew older she gradually introduced herself back into the workforce. First, as a cafeteria worker for the Burlington Schools and then as a cashier at the Fresh Spot in Burlington. She loved working at the Fresh Spot and it was like a second family to her. She had a great respect for the owners, the DiMattia family, and all her fellow employees, young and old, and all the loyal customers. Hazel was an incredibly kind, generous, and loving person. She was always helping others. She was always cooking and sending meals to neighbors and friends who needed a helping hand or a gesture of kind-heartedness. She had lived in her home for 56 years and cherished the many great friendships she shared with her long time neighbors. Her devotion to her family was never-ending. Her home was one that welcomed family and friends and was always filled with sweet aromas emanating from her kitchen. She was well known for her cooking and she always did it big. She made giant pots of pasta and sauces. Sunday dinners were an event. Family, extended family, and friends were always welcomed to enjoy a great meal as well as good company. They all loved her homemade meatballs and exquisitely decorated cakes and desserts that she spent hours preparing. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren have a strong bond because of all Hazel’s efforts to keep her family close. She will be remembered for her kindness, love, and always being happy and positive. She was the rock upon her family was built. Hazel was the beloved wife of 71 years of Peter J. Decareau. She was the loving mother of Dianne Slater of Burlington, Donna Hrinchuk & her husband Raymond of Ayden, NC, Peter J. Decareau, Jr. & his wife Christine of Burlington, and Paul Decareau & his wife Jacquelyne of Billerica. She was the sister of Lucia “Gerry” Goudreau of Hudson, NH, Dolores Smith of Salem, Donald Goudreau of FL, the late Irene Nissen and Norman Goudreau. Hazel was also survived by 6 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and friends. Great grandmother of the late Brandon Myers. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Monday, Aug. 29 at 11 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at Noon. Visiting hours Sunday from 1-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Hazel’s name may be made to the Make A Wish Foundation, One Bulfinch Place, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02114 or www.massri.wish.org.