Hazel J. Anderson

Hazel J. Anderson, 91, a lifelong resident of Brattleboro, died January 1, 2021 at Pine Heights after a brief period of declining health. A truly independent and self-reliant Vermonter she was born October 6, 1929 to the late Emil Henning Anderson and Lilla May (Marden) Anderson, attending local schools and graduating from Brattleboro High School in 1947. She was the last member still residing in the West Street neighborhood of the original Swedeville families who emigrated from Sweden in the late 19th century to work in the Estey factories.

After initially working for the Houghton Simonds department store, Hazel worked at The Austine School, first as a secretary and then as a teacher, before matriculating to Lyndon Teachers College where she graduated with honors in 1962. Following graduation she taught at the Hinsdale Elementary School for almost 30 years, retiring in 1992.

Hazel had many interests, especially in local history, and was an active volunteer with the Brattleboro, Windham County and Vermont historical societies. For years, she hosted visitors at the BHS Beal House in West Brattleboro. Also active in the high school alumni association, she marched in many annual alumni parades, sometimes as the sole representative of the Class of '47. She served as a town meeting representative from 1981 to 2002 and as a volunteer poll worker and maintained her interest in local politics until the end of her life, still tuning in to the bi-monthly meetings of the Selectboard on local TV. Hazel was an active walker, logging many miles around town, an excellent gardener, and an aficionado of 1000-piece puzzles. She also volunteered for several years in the BMH coffee shop.

Hazel was predeceased by her brother Carl M. Anderson of Brattleboro, and is survived by her sister Florence M. Robertson of Brattleboro, niece Heidi Meyer of Brattleboro, nephews Eric Anderson and Kurt Anderson of Spokane WA, David Egan-Robertson of Madison WI and James Robertson of Glastonbury CT and their families. She always maintained great interest in the activities of her extended family, and showed thoughtfulness and generosity toward all of us.
Hazel's family extends its thanks to her West Street neighbors for the friendship and support they provided for many years and to the Pine Heights staff for their care and compassion during the last few days of her life.

Graveside services at Meeting House Hill Cemetery will be scheduled for a date sometime later in 2021.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Hazel's name may be made to the Brattleboro Historical Society, 230 Main Street Room 301, Brattleboro VT 05301.

Ker-Phaneuf Funeral Home is responsible for the arrangements.