HAZEL LEONE

TOPSFIELD – Hazel Leone (Thornton) Noyes left this world peacefully for her heavenly home Aug. 4, 2008, with her loving family by her side, at Calais Regional Hospital. Born June 4, 1912, in Topsfield, she was the oldest child of Irving and Beryle (Lyons) Thornton. At age 96, Mrs. Noyes was still enjoying an independent and active lifestyle. Hazel was educated in Topsfield and Brookton schools, Higgin’s Classical Institute and Lee Academy. After the death of her mother, Hazel left Lee Academy in her sophomore year to help her Aunt Mina Thornton care for her five younger siblings. In 1932 Hazel married Charles Noyes and for the next 76 years, she resided on the Noyes homestead in Topsfield. Conscientious and hard working by nature, Mrs. Noyes hired out during the early years of their marriage to supplement Charles’s income. She then managed the Four Acres Restaurant and Cabins until she and Charles built Korner Kottage Restaurant, where her homemade pies and donuts became a patron’s delight. In 1946 Hazel and Charles had their first son, Charles R. and in 1950 their second son, Brent, was born. In 1955 Mrs. Noyes was appointed postmaster of Topsfield and held that position until her retirement in 1980. Mrs. Noyes served as town clerk for Topsfield, served on the school board and co-chaired with her dear friend, Avis Sussenguth, successful bicentennial and sesquicentennial celebrations. With her friend, Avis, she also formed the Topsfield Congregational Food Pantry, where she willingly served, well into her 90s, others less fortunate than herself. Mrs. Noyes’ home was always open to her extended family, where much joy, happiness and good food were shared. Mrs. Noyes held the distinction of being Topsfield’s oldest citizen for more than a decade. Mrs. Noyes was predeceased by her parents; an infant daughter, Nadys; her loving and devoted husband, Charles in 1999; her sisters, Grayce Thornton, Marjorie McNeil and Betty Cary; and brother, Wayne Thornton. Her very special mother-in-law, Gertrude Noyes; and her devoted friend and neighbor, Avis Sussenguth, also predeceased her. Mrs. Noyes is survived by her son, Charles and his wife, Joy, of Topsfield; her son, Brent and his wife, Penny, and her son, Gilman, of Lee; her grandchildren, Boyd and Lisa Noyes and their three daughters, Krystin, Megan and Loren of Holden, Brad Noyes and his wife, Jenny, of Brookton, Joshua Noyes and his wife, Amy, and their son, James, of Topsfield; her granddaughters, Jessica and Jillian Noyes of Quincy, Mass.; her brother, Vaughn Thornton and his wife, Audrey, of Greenville; and a very dear sister-in-law, Ruby Andrews of Harwich, Mass. She is also survived by a special daughter-in-law, Boyd and Brad’s mother, Brenda Dickey and her husband, Herb, of Hermon; two special nieces, Doreen White of Brookton and Waynetta Donzella of North Syracuse, N.Y.; as well as many other nieces, nephews and special friends too numerous to mention. Friends may call 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, at Topsfield Congregational Church. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday at the church with the Rev. Ellen Beairsto officiating. Interment will be at the Noyes Family Cemetery, Topsfield. A gathering will be held immediately after the committal service at Mrs. Noyes’ home. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution to the maintenance fund of Topsfield Congregational Church, in care of Emma Irish, 216 North Road, Topsfield, ME 04490. For an online register book, please visit www.clayfuneralhome.com.