Obituary of Hazel Jean Ashfield

We lovingly announce the death of Hazel Jean Ashfield (Ross), a remarkable woman whose life ended on April 22, 2025, at 82 years of age, surrounded by her beloved family.

 

Hazel was born in Ayr, Scotland, on December 2, 1942, and lived in both Ayr and Glasgow growing up. She emigrated to Canada with her family when she was twelve years old in 1954. Hazel married Alvin Ashfield in August 1967 and they have rarely been apart since.

 

Hazel was a loving and dedicated person whose passion for enjoying the simple things in life was one of her defining traits. Her relentless optimism and desire to make the best of any situation, and enjoy it as much as possible, is a wonderful gift she gave to those around her.

 

Her beautiful backyard, created almost entirely by her labour, is a great example of this joy in simple things, as was her enjoyment of vegetable and flower gardening and her annual harvesting of maple syrup, fiddleheads, berries and mushrooms.

 

Hazel also had a great passion for the ocean (she was born near the beach in Ayr), sports and reading, amassing many books on various subjects.

 

After obtaining her Masters degree in history from UNB in 1972, Hazel worked as an assistant librarian at UNB and for many years as a school librarian. Through her work, she brought the joy of reading to many students, and provided a safe space for other students during their middle school years.

 

Hazel enjoyed many activities with Alvin, including many years of square dancing, attending many national conventions. They also travelled to attend almost all of their sons’ sports events or Highland Games. Later in life, Hazel remained active, walking outdoors every day in almost any weather, playing bridge and organizing a bridge group for seniors.

 

Hazel is survived by Alvin Ashfield, her husband of 57 years, and her sons, Michael, Bruce (Denise) and Peter (Stacy) Ashfield, her grandchildren Nicole, Trevor, Andrew, Katie and Lila. She is predeceased by her brother Glen Ross and her parents, Agnes (Nancy) Ross and John Ross.

 

Those who knew Hazel know that wasting a day in sadness was not something she would ever want. There will be a Celebration of Hazel’s life at a later date.

 

Donations in support of your local school library would be appreciated.