Patricia Ann Rumberger Hazel passed away peacefully at Mount Nittany Medical Center on December 31, 2017. She was born on April 16, 1931 in Bellefonte. Patricia was the only child of Samuel and Eleanor Rumberger, who preceded her in death.

She was raised in Bellefonte and married Joseph E. Hazel on July 31, 1953. Patricia and Joe celebrated sixty one years of marriage until Joe’s death in 2015. Upon graduation from Bellefonte Area School, she was employed with the Penn State Registrar’s Office and then raised her family.

Dedicated to her community, she was a Girl Scout and Brownie Leader, served as the President of the hospital auxiliary, and volunteered for a variety of organizations. She had a strong faith, as well, and found peace in visits from the pastor.

Her passions included knitting, crocheting, traveling, gardening, playing bridge, solving crossword puzzles in ink, and attending cultural events. She was an avid reader and gourmet cook. The Hazel house was often filled with family and friends, as she loved to entertain. She treasured the company of her classmates, known as the 49’ers, as well as her “lunch bunch” group. She was also a cancer survivor. Patricia was a kindhearted, gentle woman and always had a caring word and a hug for others. Giving people her handmade dishcloths brought her great joy. She and Joe were active members of the Nittany Country Club and enjoyed being a part of their camp, Sterling Run Club, along with the other founding families. They had their cherished second home in Fort Myers Beach, FL, where they spent countless hours boating with their friends. She was the social chairwoman for the Marina Towers and Yacht Club, was involved with several book clubs and the local library, and volunteered to read with children from the migrant farms, sharing her love of books with them. Her last years were spent as a resident of Centre Crest, in Bellefonte, where she greeted everyone with a smile.

Patricia’s greatest joy was her family, and she liked to be in touch with her children every day. Adored mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Patricia is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Cindy, daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Jim Bedison, and daughter Marianne, along with 9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 6 granddogs (who were, according to her, well-loved, not spoiled). Patricia’s beloved grandson, Matthew Hazel, preceded her in death.

Her service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Centre County Library, 203 N Allegheny ST, Bellefonte, PA 16823 and to Centre Crest Auxiliary, 502 E Howard ST, Bellefonte, PA 16823.



Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.

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