Hazel, as I write this, I do so with a heavy heart, but I know you would not want that; You would say 'get on with it, 'I've got things to do,' just one of the many famous phrases you came out with so naturally. I can only speak of the relationship we had, which was one of incredible banter from the time we met some 23 years ago. My relationship with you was unique and so special. There is a saying that goes: 'You never knew what you had until it is gone.' Well, not in my case, from early on, I knew you were a force to be reckoned with, someone who 'said it as it was' and everyone knew exactly where they stood with you. I loved that about you. A woman fiercely loyal to her family and those she loved; a champion for the 'underdog' and would without question always challenge unfairness and injustice whenever and wherever she saw it. At least twice you rushed into gangs of children to assist a child being bullied and did so without care for your own safety and protection. Hazel, I admired that about you and always said that I would want you 'in my corner,' so to speak.

Often I joked about being your Sister-in-Law  and you would always come up with some sharp witted remark, until one day I visited you at work and you introduced me as your 'Brother-in-Law. I nearly fainted. I laugh about it now. Hazel, all I can say, is that you have left a huge void in my life and that of others too, I am sure. I say goodnight now to a kind and caring beautiful woman and I thank my Lord and Savior that our paths crossed.

Love always,

Michael xx