Hazel Pellitteri

MADISON - Hazel Marie (Hintz) Pellitteri, age 90, passed away with her family by her side at Agrace HospiceCare on December 7, 2014. She was born on November 1, 1924 in Westfield, WI to Rhynold and Lillian Hintz. After graduating from Westfield High School in 1942, she moved to Madison to attend Madison Vocational School. On April 2, 1949 she married Louis "Louie" Pellitteri and together they had four children. She was a bookkeeper for several companies in the Madison area, retiring in 1987.

Hazel's great passions included traveling, gambling, Florida, football, friends and family. She raised four children, helped to raise three granddaughters and she lived her last years to watch her great-grandchildren grow. They were the light of her life, her pride and her joy.

She loved to travel by plane, train, cruise ship or Winnebago. As the children were growing up, the family toted their trailer from state to state to site-see the country. The granddaughters enjoyed many fun camping excursions in the Winnebago. After retiring Hazel and Louie often traveled to tropical destinations. Several trips were taken with children and grandchildren and very fond memories were made in Las Vegas at annual slot machine tournaments attended by Hazel, Louie and daughter Lori. Each destination was an adventure and new friends were made with each journey.

Hazel enjoyed the slots wherever she could find them. Vegas, HoChunk, cruise ships or just a simple handheld game. Later in life she took up Bingo as a favorite pastime and she had no problem telling you to visit another time, because "it's time for Bingo".

Florida became a second home for Hazel and Louie after retirement. At first they spent a few weeks there each winter, then a few months and eventually they purchased an oceanfront condo in Satellite Beach. The family often traveled there and several Christmases were enjoyed at the beach. Friends were made and there was no shortage of festivities at Sand Piper Towers. Hazel and Louie enjoyed weekly cocktail parties, and holiday celebrations. Some of the most memorable, were the Mardi Gras costume parties complete with a crowned queen and a parade around the pool.

Hazel was also a proud football fan holding stock in the Green Bay Packers and season tickets for the Badger football games. Each year in Florida, she hosted a huge Superbowl party complete with tailgate food and football decor. Come game time, though, she was locked into the TV and did not want to be disturbed. She knew each player, watched each play and yelled loudly at the screen when she disagreed with a call or flag on the play.

She had many friends near and far. Her quick witted humor drew people in and captured the hearts of many. Even those who cared for Hazel in her years spent in assisted living, St. Mary's Care Center and at Agrace were likely to see her as more than a patient or resident, she was a friend. Someone you enjoyed being around, someone adding a little sparkle to your day.

Hazel's greatest joy by far, though, was her family. She was so close to her children and spoke to her daughter, Lori, multiple times every day. She never missed her granddaughter's t-ball, soccer, basketball, music concerts, plays, or recitals. The grandkids will never forget getting carted around in her light blue Pinto, sleepovers, and "Spaghetti Sundays" every single Sunday growing up. She absolutely adored her three great-grandchildren; they were the light of her life. They affectionately refer to her as GiGi. As her own health started to fail over the years, she willed to live so she could enjoy each precious moment with Blake, Jackson and Trinity.

For her 90th Birthday, Hazel was surrounded by family and friends as she truly enjoyed one last big celebration of life. The family was so thankful to all those who attended to make is such a special day!

Throughout her life, Hazel also enjoyed music, dancing, singing, playing piano, knitting, cooking, baking, gardening, canning, soaking in the sunshine and enjoying a glass of wine with family and friends. She was a loving wife and her heart broke when she lost her husband in 2004. She was a devoted mother and her heart shattered when she lost her youngest son in a motorcycle accident in December of 2012. She will join them now in eternal peace.

Hazel is survived by her children Paul, Lorraine "Lori", Steve, and daughter-in-law Lori Katz; her granddaughters Jennifer, Cindi (Jason) Stampfli, and Melanie; and her great-grandchildren Blake Dey, Jackson, and Trinity Stampfli. She is also survived by her sisters Adeline Comello of Racine and Shirley Johnson of Madison; sisters-in-law Bernice and Shirley, brother-in-law Joe, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents her husband Louis "Louie", son Lou, her sisters Margaret Schatzke and Grace Mack, and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 12, 2014 at 11a.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI 53705. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at Cress.

The family would like to thank the staff at Agrace HospiceCare for their compassionate and loving care of Hazel and her family these past few weeks.

Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare.


Cress
Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
608-238-3434
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www.CressFuneralService.com