Hazel Loomis Freedman died Friday, November 29, 2019, at her home in Dewey, Montana, after a long and brave contest against cancer. Over the course of a life embodying dignity, grace, humor, and generosity, Hazel dedicated herself to creating beauty in the world, and bestowing warmth and affection on all she knew and loved.
Born in Great Falls to Leal and Delora (Nottingham) Loomis, Hazel grew up in a large family, moving frequently, following farm and ranch work across the state of Montana. On her father’s side, her forebears were English immigrants who settled Connecticut in 1638 before moving slowly westward. On her mother’s side, she descended from the earliest farmers along the Highwood. She inherited a pioneer spirit of determination, self-discipline, and ingenuity. She loved animals, family, gardening and cooking. Her soul found peace and inspiration in the Montana landscape, especially the quiet grandeur of the Missouri Breaks near Fort Benton, where she had spent part of her childhood, and in the green meadows and snow-capped mountains of the Big Hole, where she spent her last years.
Among the people who loved her most, she leaves behind her husband of thirty-five years, Paul Freedman, and her sister, best friend, and caregiver, Alta Miller, of Dewey. Alta’s husband, Dana Miller, and son and daughter-in-law, Andy and Kathy Miller, were true friends and neighbors, who eased Hazel’s and Paul’s lives through countless acts of kindness.
Hazel will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Jamie McGregor (Mike), and Franklin, Joe, Jaelin, Jonnie Dawn, and Jim, all of Las Vegas, her great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Hazel was preceded in death by her son, Joel Redensek of Redway, California, daughter Dolores Cooney of Butte, sister Sharon Holm of Butte, and brother Garner Loomis of Forsythe.
The family thanks Dr. James Hueftle and the staffs of Pintler Family Medicine and Anaconda Community Hospital for taking such good care of Hazel in life. We thank the staff and nurses of Highlands Hospice of Butte for helping her pass so peacefully. We are grateful to Big Hole neighbors Diane Reid and Linda Piercy for their help along the way, and to Amanda Newbreast of Butte for her caring help and constructive spirit during these difficult hours. There will be no services. The family will celebrate Hazel’s life in the spring of 2020, when the weather warms and the flowers once again bloom.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Melody Reed says
Sincere sympathy, Jonnie, to you and your family. I found your Mother’s obituary by chance when trying to locate your salon. I remember you speaking of her so often and I’m happy for you to have been near her when she passed. Take care and God bless you and your family.