CHAPMAN – Hazel Anne Sloat Garland, 89, died May 5, 2011, surrounded by loving family, after a brief illness. She was born May 19, 1921, in Presque Isle, the daughter of Clara Armstrong Sloat and Benjamin Norman Sloat.
She is survived by her husband, Fernald P. Garland with whom she shared 71 years of marriage and a love that continues through their seven children: Pamela G. Loft of Windham, Wanda R. Garland of Waldoboro, Janice G. Wood of Waldoboro, Fernald Timothy Garland of Bangor, Cheryl A. Crabtree of Argyle, Nita Garland of Gainesville, Fla., and Francine J.G. Stark of Winterport; 15 grandchildren, Brent, Daniel and Shane Harper, Jonathan, Benjamin and Jeremiah Loft, Leslie, Laurie, Doug and Timothy Wood, Adam and Tara Garland, Steven and Barbara Crabtree, and Hazel Z. Stark; 21 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Hazel is survived by three of her sisters, Glenna Dunham of Deer Isle, Doris McCorison of Ellsworth and Lillian Lowell of Saco; and a half sister, Charlotte Holmes of Fort Fairfield.
Hazel was the first in her family to graduate from high school and was an avid reader and learner throughout her life. Hazel gave generously of her affection and skills and was loved by many. She was a founder of the Shawl Ministry at Grant Memorial Methodist Church, where she was a member throughout her adult life. A woman of profound faith and courageous spirit, she inspired others through her participation in Bible study and served as president of United Methodist Women. She was a 4-H leader for 17 years. Hazel and Fernald were members and leaders of Spud Shufflers Square Dance Club and danced together beautifully for 30 years. Famous for her doughnuts, bread and homemade macaroni, Hazel was a fantastic cook and happy to teach others – though she kept secrets about her cooking and wrote very sketchy instructions. Hazel was a strong woman. She managed a household full of children and was always a full partner in the farm work, baling hay and nursing orphaned lambs. Hazel and Fernald together planted more than three million trees in Aroostook County. In their many trips on the Allagash Waterway, Hazel and Fernald were unbeatable in their 21-foot White Canoe. As their children struggled to keep up, with Hazel in the bow, smiling and paddling smoothly, they would glide across the big lakes, filled with joy and appreciation for the woods, water and wildlife and the opportunity each day to live and love.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, at Grant Memorial United Methodist Church, Presque Isle, with Pastor Ron Chaffee officiating. A reception will be after at the church. There will be no calling hours. Interment will be at Worth Grendell Cemetery, West Chapman. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope and Justice Project, 754 Main St., Presque Isle, ME 04769 or the charity of your choice. To honor Hazel’s memory, knit a shawl with love and prayer to wrap around someone in need. Arrangements are in the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at
www.duncan-graves.com.