Hazel Elkin Neal
Hazel Elkin Neal, 92, of Cape Coral, passed away in the early morning hours Friday, July 3, 2009, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. She was born in 1916 in western Pennsylvania.
She grew up on the family farm. In 1935 she married Raymond Neal. They moved to southern West Virginia in 1938, where Ray found work in the mining industry at the height of the great depression.
With the event of World War II, Ray joined the Navy, serving on the USS California until the end of the war. During this time she and her sister worked in the defense industry in Akron, Ohio.
After the war the couple settled in Columbus, Ohio, where she worked in various administrative jobs. During this period she loved being a “football mom” and interacting with her son’s classmates.
She continued working after Ray passed away in 1972, eventually retiring as a office manager for the Clow Corporation. In 1978 she moved to Cape Coral, where she enjoyed boating, playing cards and shuffleboard with her partner, Byron Philbrook.
Family message: Although Alzheimer’s robbed us of many years of her ever pleasant company, those who knew her will always remember her kind blue eyes and happy smile.
She is survived by her son, William, and his wife, Rebecca; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband; five brothers; and three sisters.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday at Faith Presbyterian Church.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundation, 22512 Gateway, Clarksburg, MD 20871.
Arrangements by Metz Chapel of Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Homes.