Sadly, our beloved mother, Hazel Tinsley, died on July 26th 2025.

Hazel was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on May 23, 1937 to Maggie and Jack Geddis.

She joined the Irish Reserves when she was just 15 and served as a radar and plotting operator until she married her husband, Robert Tinsley. In 1959, they immigrated to Canada and settled in Kitimat, BC where Hazel raised five children, worked as a Binder for the Northern Sentinel newspaper, and became a long and valued citizen and legion member.

In 1981, Hazel & Robert moved to Osoyoos to run their newly purchased Safari Beach Motel & Marina. For the next 40 years, Hazel also continued her service to the local Legion where she, again, held many positions on the executive of both the branch and auxiliary. Members will also remember her fun side as she had a glass or two while playing darts, shuffleboard or crib.
In both Kitimat and Osoyoos she touched countless lives and her Irish wit & charm left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Those lucky enough to know her well will remember her as someone who loved to laugh, listen to music, play poker, dance, and travel.

Even when Hazel retired she did not slow down. She was a huge presence in her grandchildren’s lives and had a way of making each generation feel special. Her open arms & playful spirit endeared her to not only her grandchildren but their children and even their great grandchildren – all of whom flocked to her home every chance they got. Her legacy of family traditions will surely echo down the generations.

Hazel was a big personality in a small package. She was a woman who, literally, danced in the rain and raced generations into their pjs. She had a knack for making strangers feel like family and she filled the room with laughter, music and fun. She remained a strong and fiercely independent woman until the day she died.

Hazel leaves behind 4 children, 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

She will be forever cherished in our hearts.