Hazel Marie (Nelson) Hendrickson of Kennewick passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 3, 2022. Hazel’s passing came just a day after her 93rd birthday, an occasion celebrated with love and affection by her family.

Hazel was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Ellis G. Hendrickson; grandson, Christopher Nelson; her parents; and her eight siblings. She is survived by her son, Bruce Hendrickson and wife Deborah (Seattle); her daughter, Kathy (Hendrickson) Staly and husband Tom (Kennewick); grandchildren, Rachael (Nelson) Gieseke and husband Ryan (Yakima), Reed Hendrickson and wife Kelsey (Seattle), Kathryn Hendrickson (Seattle), and Elliott Hendrickson (Seattle); and many extended family members in the U.S. and Scandinavia.

Hazel was born on August 2, 1929, in Brighton, Colorado. She was a first generation American and the eighth of nine children born to her Swedish immigrant parents, Charles and Martha Nelson. Hazel spent her early childhood helping her family keep its farm afloat during the Great Depression. That tough environment inspired the grit that was one of Hazel’s distinctive qualities. Following high school graduation, Hazel attended a one-year business training course while working to support herself. After receiving her diploma, she set off for the promise of professional opportunity at the Hanford Project in Richland, Washington. While living in a Hanford dormitory and working in the payroll office, she met many lifelong friends and established the Tri-Cities as her beloved home. Hazel met her soon-to-be husband Ellis at the local grocery, where he worked as a butcher. Their marriage and family life provided many years of happiness and adventure. They were avid campers, boaters, snow skiers, and water skiers. They loved taking vacations and cruises with friends and family with destinations including Sweden, Finland, Norway, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, Arizona, and Alaska. They always had a little pet chihuahua as a treasured companion and instilled a love of animals in their children and grandchildren.

Hazel was a fastidious homemaker, shrewd bridge player, and slots enthusiast. Most of all, she was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.

Hazel’s family has chosen a private remembrance of Hazel’s life. She will be laid to rest at Einan’s at Sunset Gardens next to her husband, Ellis, and grandson, Christopher. Arrangements are under the direction of Einan’s.

Memorial remembrances can be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Spokane, Washington – a charitable cause that touched Hazel’s heart.