Obituary of Hazel Petrie

Hazel P. Petrie, a 70 year resident of New Bedford, passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2012 at the age of 96. Hazel was born in Derry, New Hampshire, the daughter of the late Wallace and Marie Petersilea. She grew up and was educated in Fairhaven, MA. Her family then moved to New Bedford. During World War II, Hazel’s mother, Marie, who was born in England, would open her home to British sailors on shore leave in New Bedford. It was her way of helping in the war effort. One of those sailors, Alexander Petrie, was introduced to Marie’s daughter, Hazel, and seven years later, they were married. They remained in New Bedford, and raised their only child, Jean. Hazel worked as a cloth inspector in a textile mill until she became a mother. Then she took on the role as homemaker. She was an active member of the People’s Christian Church and a member of the Eastern Star. She had recently moved to Burlington to live with her daughter and grandchildren. Hazel was the beloved wife of the late Alexander C. She was the loving mother of Jean Petrie Graham of Burlington and mother-in-law of the late Walter “Whitey” Graham. She was the grandmother of Barbara Eclof, Christopher Marinucci, Alexander Graham, Andrew Graham, and late Vickie Graham. A graveside service will be held at the Acushnet Cemetery, 91 Main St., Acushnet on Tuesday, February 28 at 11:30 a.m. Followed by a Memorial Service at the People’s Christian Church, 2240 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford at Noon. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Hazel’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701. Arrangements by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON, MA. For obituary & online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net