Hazel M. Sears

Lakeland Fla.- Hazel M. Sears, 77, of Woodgate, NY and Lakeland, FL passed away in Lakeland, FL on Wednesday November 27, 2019 following a brief illness.

She was born April 24, 1942 in Utica, NY. She was the daughter of the late Harold L. and Gudrun M. (Buck) Moon. Hazel was a graduate of Forestport Central School and Mohawk Valley Community College.

Her marriage to Richard F. Sears took place on October 9, 1999 in Utica, NY. The couple shared a blessed union of 11 years until the passing of Richard on July 22, 2010.

Hazel was last employed at the Oneida County Department of Social Services in the department of HEAP. Previously she worked as an assistant to long time New York State   Senator William Sears. Prior to that she worked for many years as a secretary at Robert C. Failing Ford Inc. in St. Johnsville, NY.

A devoted and loving mother and grandmother, Hazel's life was centered around her loved ones. She enjoyed the quality time she spent with each of her grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing cards with friends, knitting and riding her bike. Hazel took great pleasure in tending to her hummingbirds at her Woodgate home

Survivors include her children, Robert C. Failing, III of St. Johnsville, Mary Beth (Richard) Hudyncia of Fort Plain, Lynn (David) Briggs of Fort Plain and Amanda Failing of Syracuse; her step-children, Kristan (Elizabeth) Sears of Texas, and Stacie (Mark) Fagan of Vermont. She was also survived by her grandchildren, Mackenzie Failing, Liza Hudyncia, Toria (Paul) Scotto, Anderson (Collin) Okoniewski, Kiernan Briggs; step-grandchildren, Abigail Micklus, Ben Micklus, Manifried Fagan and Quigley Fagan. She also had one great granddaughter, Guiliana Scotto.

She was pre-deceased by a daughter, Michelle M. Failing.

A celebration of Hazel's life will be held on Sunday December 29, 2019 at 3:00 pm from the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to NBT Bank), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY, 315-866-1500, with Rev. Robert Graham, officiating. The family will be receiving relatives and friends prior to the celebration from 1:00 – 3:00 pm on Sunday at the funeral home. Spring burial will take place at White Lake Cemetery in Woodgate, NY.

 As per Hazel’s desire, memorial contributions can be made to Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.