Obituary of Hazel Leiblein

Hazel Leiblein, after a brief illness and at the age of 84, passed away peacefully holding the hand of her loving daughter on Tuesday afternoon, August 30, 2016. Hazel was a woman devoted to her family, dear friends, career, and community. Hazel was born in Everett, MA, the youngest of four children born to Ida Josephine (Hultberg) Wentworth and Edison Huntley Wentworth. She was baptized in the Swedenborgian Church in Boston and later attended the First Congregational Church in Melrose where she grew up. Hazel graduated with Honors from Melrose High School where she was a proud member of the National Honor Society and Glee Club. Hazel always considered Melrose her home and enjoyed reminiscing about her childhood. On November 1, 1952 Hazel married her beloved husband Frank and in 1958 they built their home and moved to Burlington. Hazel had a phenomenal work ethic and took great pride in always perfecting whatever task she took on. Hazel understood, utilized and had a wonderful appreciation for grammar and the proper usage of the English language. She was the ultimate editor for her daughter as she prepared school and college reports and was considered the “go to” person by her work colleagues in the preparation and presentation of complex programs and reports. Her working career, primarily with the Department of Defense, spanned the years of 1950 through 2000 and included employment at The National Shawmut Bank of Boston, the Boston offices of Chance Vought Aircraft and Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, Dynamics Research Corp of Stoneham, Allied Research of Boston, The Analytic Science Corp in Stoneham and Reading and finally retiring after 16 years of employment with the MITRE Corporation in Bedford, MA. She excelled in and thoroughly enjoyed her career because of her style and dedication she was well respected and built long lasting friendships with many of her coworkers. Hazel was supportive of her loving husband and his active membership with the Masonic Fraternity. Hazel was a great “behind the scene” supporter, quietly ensuring any activity or event went off without a hitch. She was truly a perfectionist. As Frank was pursuing his goals within the Masons, Hazel became extremely involved with the International Order of Rainbow for Girls when her daughter became a member at the age of 12. Hazel served on the Advisory Board of Lexington Assembly #37 until her daughter reached the age of Majority at 18. Hazel became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in both the Billerica and Winchester Chapter where she was an Officer. While active in the Winchester Chapter, Hazel did something daring and out of character, she accepted a major role in the play “Hope Springs Eternal”. Much to her surprise, she played her role as Maude to perfection and was honored with a standing ovation. After living in Burlington for 49 years and upon the passing of the love of her life Frank, Hazel moved to Sandwich, NH to be closer to her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. While living in the Lakes Region of NH, Hazel became a season ticket holder of the Lakes Region Summer Theater and frequent visitor to the Barnstormers Summer Theater and Winnipesaukee Playhouse. Living in a new area was difficult for Hazel, but she felt blessed to be with her family during her Golden Years. As well as being a career person, a member of numerous clubs, she was most proud of being a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She absolutely adored her grandson Ben and was in awe of the wonderful man he was becoming. Hazel wanted to provide a life for her family that was fun, adventurous and educational and she did it all with her regal style and charisma. For many years, the family held a membership with the Shawsheen Camping Chapter of the North American Family Camping Association. They camped every weekend and traveled all over the Northeast visiting different campgrounds, historical landmarks, and fun destinations. Hazel made it seem effortless that the camper was always spotless, well stocked, and ready to go. While living in Sandwich she enjoyed working in her flower gardens and had a great appreciation for Hummingbirds. She enjoyed sewing when she was younger and crocheting hats, mittens, scarfs, and afghans for family, friends, and various charities. She always told her family that she was “Blessed to have True Friends.” Her friends were like family to Hazel and her warmth and kindness flowed lavishly upon those she loved and cared for. She lived a long and full life filled with grace, kindness, and love. Her presence will be sorely missed, but her memory and spirit will live on through her family and friends. Hazel was the loving wife of late Francis “Frank” X. Leiblein for 53 years. She was the mother of Jennifer Leiblein-Martel of Sandwich, NH & her husband James R. Martel. She was the proud and loving grandmother of Benjamin F. Martel of Sandwich, NH. She was the loving sister of Lois V. Hembree of Albuquerque, NM, Edison “Ed” Wentworth, Jr. of Lynn, MA, and Shirley Paquin of RI. She was the aunt of Dale O’Donnell of Paradise, CA, Susan Sutton of Angel Fire, NM, Adelle Leiblein of Nashua, NH, Andrea Leiblein of Quincy, MA, and the late Althea Leiblein. She was also survived by many additional family members and close friends whom she loved and cherished dearly. Hazel requested that there be no services or calling hours, simply asking for silent prayers from those relatives and friends with whom she shared a mutual love and respect in effort to hasten her reunion with those whom she loved so deeply and lost. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Hazel’s name may be made to The American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005 or Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114. For obituary and online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net