Obituary of Hazel M. Stearns

Hazel M. Stearns, 93 formerly of Hickory Hill Road, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning at the Sanford Home in Amsterdam where she had resided since April. Her son and her companion Jennifer were at her side. Born in Rome, NY on December 10, 1917, she was the daughter of Frank and Mary Ziemann. She was a graduate of Camden Central School and was formerly employed by the Griffis Air Force Base in Rome and later the Guiffre Bus Company of Fonda. Hazel was a member of the Art-Wel Chapter of the Order Of The Eastern Star and the Mohawk Valley Chapter, the Johnstown Senior Citizens and the Daughters Of The American Revolution. She married James H. Stearns Sr. on December 17, 1964. Hazel enjoyed animals, gardening, playing cards and crocheting. She was known for her flowers and vegetables which she and her late husband grew. She created many beautiful afghans for family and friends and numerous lap robes for the VA hospital. Hazel also donated over 9 gallons of O negative blood in her lifetime. She is survived by her son Edward F. Carolyn Bovee of Amsterdam, a daughter in law Nancy Bovee of Pulaski, NY; four granddaughters, Shari Dale Wheeler of Williamstown, NY, Nancy Rick Burke of Rifton, NY, Cindy Bovee of Lancaster, PA., Jodi Scott Biezenbos of Savannah, GA.; seven great grandchildren; Jeffrey Smith, Ricky Melanie Smith, Emily Wheeler all of Williamstown, Tiffany Peter Weeks of PA, Ryan Linda Burke of Rifton, Brenden and Caellan Biezenbos both of Savannah; four great -great grandchildren; Nancy, Reuben and Ranita Weeks of PA, and Cassidy Burke of Rifton; a sister, June Sherald Ingersoll of Vernon Center, NY; nieces, nephews and her many dear friends at the Sanford Home. She was predeceased by her parents, husband James H. Stearns in 1997, a son Richard Bovee, brothers Henry and Robert Ziemann and her nephew Frank Ziemann. Services will take place Monday, Dec. 27th at 11:00 am at the Jackson & Betz Funeral Home, 15 Main Street Fultonville. The Rev. Nancy Pullen and Hazel's Granddaughter the Rev. Cindy Bovee co-officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery, Sand Flats. Calling hours are Sunday from 2-4 pm at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Ayers Animal Shelter or the Sanford Home, both in care of the funeral home office.