Hazel R. Wright

Hazel R. Wright, 81, of Berrien Springs, died early Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, at her home.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2, at Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University, where friends are invited to visit beginning at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Berrien Springs. Memorial donations may be made to Neighbor to Neighbor, Berrien Springs (www.n2nhelps.com). Messages and memories may be shared online at www.allredfuneralhome.com.

Hazel was born July 7, 1939 in Hinckley, Minn., the daughter of Shelby and Alma (Lorentzen) Garner. She came to Berrien Springs in 1957 to attend college, and after her sophomore year, she married Wayne Wright and began working for Leco Corporation in St. Joseph. In 1962, their son, David, was born; he lived only three-and-a half years.

Following her return to college and finishing her bachelor’s degree in 1971, Hazel taught physical education and reading at the Berrien Springs Middle School, and in 1974 she began the reading lab. During this time she also continued her education by earning her master’s degree, and in 1983 she graduated with her doctorate degree.

She served as head of the Lake Michigan College Reading Lab from 1984-1994, and then returned to Berrien Springs as assistant to the superintendent until her retirement in 2001.

Hazel is survived by her husband, Wayne, who lovingly cared for her during her physical challenges; and two sisters: Marguerite (Duane) Marietta of The Villages, Fla., and Jeanette (Elliott) Fortner of Loveland, Colo.