HAZEL ELIZABETH PRATT

Old Orchard Beach

"When the night has been too lonely, and the road has been too long, and you think that life is only for the lucky and the strong, just remember in the Winter, far beneath the bitter snows, lies a seed that with the sun's love, in the Spring becomes the rose."

Heaven gained a most beautiful Angel when Hazel Pratt, loving Mother of four children, 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025. She was 83 years young.

Hazel was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts on December 19, 1941, a daughter of Edward Dana Pratt and Marcella (Digout) Pratt. Hazel attended Gloucester High School, eventually receiving her diploma after marrying her high school love, Donald Blatchford, on November 2, 1958. Hazel and Don spent the first years of their marriage riding motorcycles, double dating and dancing with friends, and traveling to Germany where Don was stationed in the Army. They started their family in 1961 and had four children within six years. The family moved to Salem, then to Wenham, Massachusetts, where they created a happy home. Hazel often reminisced about this time as, "the happiest, most magical moments of my life."

Sadly, Hazel and her children left Wenham and moved to Scarborough, Maine, in 1972. Hazel spent her days making a new home while continuing her education at night, working various jobs to support her family. She remarried and welcomed two stepsons into the fold. In need of a larger house, they settled in Saco in 1976, and Hazel proudly watched her children grow and move on to build their own lives and families.

In 1981, Hazel received a certificate in Nursing. Over the next 25 years she earned her Real Estate license, worked as an Administrative Assistant, moved to Florida for a short time and worked in the Medical Department of a state prison, then she returned to Old Orchard Beach, Maine, finally retiring in 2019 after providing home care services to families in the area.

Hazel enjoyed living close to the beach and was often seen walking for miles, her dog, Fancy Pants, by her side. She looked forward to time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Summer visits with the kids to the seashore were a treat for her. She loved collecting shells, writing poetry and creating art, and then giving these handmade treasures as gifts. Hazel was known by many as "Memere." You always knew you would get a giant "hug-a-bug" from Memere, and it felt like home. She was an avid reader and spent many days outside, watching the sun rise and set, reflecting on life's tough and sweet lessons, and dreaming of those magical years long ago.

Hazel was predeceased by six siblings Barbara Wilson, Richard Pratt, Edward Dana Pratt, Jr., Marylyn Libby, Patricia Whitten and Donald Pratt. She is survived by her four children, Rhonda Field and husband Mark, Kristi Greene Hendricks and husband Mark, Donald Blatchford Jr. and wife Amy, and Daniel Blatchford and his spouse, Kim Pope. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Amanda, Lindsay, Matthew, Taylor, Sean, Patrick, Grace, Ellie, Riley and Camryn, and three great-grandchildren, Garrett, Lily and Josephine. Hazel leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

Services are private. A celebration of life is being planned for the Spring. To view Hazel's memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com