Elizabeth "Betty Ann" Hazelhurst

WORCESTER - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and “Nanny”, Elizabeth Ann (Brosnan) Hazelhurst, 87. Born and raised in Worcester, Betty, affectionately known as Betty Ann to many, lived her entire life in the city she loved. She grew up on Grafton Hill, the youngest child of Leo J. Brosnan and Gladys (Prenier) Brosnan, and sister to two older brothers, Ronald and Leo.

She attended Ascension High School where she was a proud member of the St John’s Cheerleading Team, before continuing her education at the Salter Secretarial School. She began her career at Worcester City Hall in the Mayor’s Office. She then went on to dedicate 47 years as a Medical Assistant at Worcester OB/GYN and Women’s Health of Central MA, working alongside her beloved Dr Albert Jones (who treated her so well) along with many other OB/GYNs and staff members who loved and revered her. She LOVED her work deeply. Her compassion and unwavering dedication were evident with every patient she cared for, often staying late to ensure no one waited overnight for answers. She had such a deep knowledge base of obstetrics and gynecology that the patients would often ask to speak to “Dr. Jones’ nurse”, trusting her completely.

Throughout our lives, we often heard our mother described as “the most beautiful girl in Worcester”, a sentiment we are sure first caught our dad’s eye. They married and were blessed with 4 children. Tragically the security of her family unit was rocked to the core on a cold November night in 1968. On that night, she kissed her husband, rookie Worcester Police Officer Robert R. Hazelhurst, goodbye as he went off to work the 3-11pm shift. God had other plans and he never made it home. So, at the young age of 30, she was left to raise 4 children aged 2-12 on her own, just 7 months after losing her own father. With remarkable strength and perseverance, she built a foundation of love, security and resilience that shaped our happy childhood.

Because of her hard work Betty saved up enough to buy a camper and we were blessed with so many summers up in Maine, where she never hesitated to plunge into the icy ocean waters and anxiously awaited that delicious first lobster dinner. Those trips created some of our most treasured family memories.

Betty was an avid baker. She made wedding cakes early on and then showered her children and grandchildren with the most beautiful birthday cakes. Betty also treated her co-workers to all kinds of tasty treats. She also loved gardening and sewing, hobbies she enjoyed in her quiet moments.

Her passion for music was lifelong. She was an accomplished tap dancer from age 3 well into adulthood even performing on a Teen TV Show. She sang for Sweet Adeline’s International where she was a charter member of both Worcester and Post Road Barbershop Choruses for 40 yrs and served as the choreographer for both choruses.

After retirement she remained active in the community, volunteering at St John’s Food Pantry and as a member of the Guild of Our Lady of Providence and The Hibernian Club. She was a woman of deep faith and a proud parishioner at St John’s Church faithfully attending mass, followed by coffee with the girls.

Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Whether babysitting, applauding their every dance or sporting achievement, or organizing their Christmas games, those moments brought her immeasurable joy.

She lived in our childhood home for 57 years before moving to Briarwood Senior Community, where she later transitioned to the Assisted Living residence after an illness. She deeply loved the staff at the Elms, and we are forever grateful to them for the tender loving care that they provided. After a brief stay at Memorial Hospital the Lord called her home where she was reunited with her husband, the love of her life, along with her son Robert T., her parents and brother Leo. We would like to thank the doctors, nurses and aides of West 1 for the compassionate and skilled care they gave our mom. Our gratitude is beyond words.

Betty is survived by her brother Ronald Brosnan and her three children, Paul and his wife Linda Hazelhurst, Kerry and his wife Denise Hazelhurst and Lori Quinn and her husband Fran; along with 5 grandchildren, Megan and Erin Hazelhurst and Owen, Katherine and Sean Quinn; as well as many cherished friends.

Because of our mother’s profound respect and support for the Worcester Police Department, we ask that in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions in her name be made to the Manny 267 Foundation online at www.267foundation.org. This foundation is in memory of fallen Worcester Police Officer Emmanuel “Manny” Familia, End of Watch June 4, 2021.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5 at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6 at St. John’s Catholic Church, 44 Temple Street, Worcester. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street, Worcester. www.milesfuneralhome.com