LINCOLNVILLE — Hazel Peabody, 89, passed away Feb. 13, 2014, of natural causes.

Hazel was born June 23, 1924, in East Union and was the second of Allen and Bernice (Gracie) Young's five daughters. After graduating from Union High School, she followed in her mother's footsteps and continued her education at Farmington State Teacher's College, graduating in 1945.

She began her teaching career in the West Forks in 1945, teaching first- through sixth-grades at the one-room schoolhouse with a class of 16 students. While teaching in Augusta, Hazel met her future husband, Neal Peabody of Washington. They were married in June of 1949 and moved to Camden, where Hazel continued her teaching career for the next six years. Hazel put her career on a seven-year hold through her children's preschool years, and later returned to teaching in Lincolnville, and eventually in Camden elementary schools. She retired from teaching in 1985 to her home on Norton Pond in Lincolnville.

Hazel was very active in the Seaside Chapter #70 of Order of the Eastern Star, faithfully serving in 10 different offices, including 20 years as the chapter secretary. She was a past matron of Seaside Chapter #70 OES Camden and helped organize and was first matron of Ocean View Chapter #201.

In addition, she was also a past president of the Knox County Retired Teachers Association and a member of the Lincolnville Women's Club. A current member of United Christian Church of Lincolnville, she was a former member of John Street United Methodist Church in Camden.

A life-long Boston Red Sox fan, she was thrilled by the recent championships of her team.

Hazel had a gift of touching the hearts of those she met, sharing stories and memories. Her unconditional love of family showed in everything she did – from her cooking to her handiwork, both fruits of her labor that many have enjoyed. Biscuits, baked beans and apple pies were her specialty. The family holds many fond memories of Norton's Pond because of what Hazel and Neal built.

Hazel would want us to celebrate her 89 years as she and Neal were reunited in honor of Valentine's Day.

Survivors include her children, Glenn and Mary Anne Peabody of Brunswick, Betty and Glenn Lane of Sabattus, and Becky and Al Shultz of Brewer; six grandchildren, Katie (Peabody) and Ben Grant of Lisbon Falls, Andrea (Lane) and Nick Schaedler of Bowdoin, Kelly Shultz and partner, Matt York, of Hampden, Matt Peabody of Waltham, Mass., Ben Shultz of Brewer and Michelle Lane of Sabattus; her great-granddaughter, Adalynn Schaedler; two sisters, Helen Grotton of South China and Charlotte Young of Homosasssa Springs, Fla.; and many nieces, nephews and special friends. Hazel was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Neal Peabody, in 2012; two sisters, Alfreda Grotton and Marion Collins; and extended family members.

A funeral service followed by a reception will be held Saturday, Feb. 22, at 1 p.m. at John Street United Methodist Church, 98 John St. in Camden, with the Revs. Peg Moser and Dr. Susan Stonestreet co-officiating. Spring burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Camden.

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the Lincolnville Women's Club Scholarship Fund, c/o Janet Plausse, P.O. Box 93, Lincolnville, ME 04849.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home in Camden.