In memory of
Hazel Frances Preece
August 5, 1929 - August 2, 2026
Hazel Frances Preece (nee Moore) passed away peacefully at Mackenzie Health Long-Term Care on August 2, 2026, following a lengthy illness. She was just three days shy of her 97th birthday.
Born in Dannevirke, New Zealand, Hazel grew up on a working sheep farm with her siblings near Horoeka, Betty (Wragg), Noela (Blease) and Ross Moore. All three predeceased her--and are surely waiting for Hazel to join them for a cup of tea or a glass of wine.
As a young woman, Hazel had a love of fashion and enjoyed modelling the latest styles. In search of adventure, she set sail with her sister Noela and their friend Bernice for an overseas tour of North America. They worked as chambermaids while travelling throughout the United States and Canada, eventually making their way to Toronto.
It was in Toronto that Hazel met and married William (Bill) George Preece. They made their home on Sawley Drive for many decades, where Hazel was known for hosting memorable Christmas gatherings and lively pool parties.
Always snazzily dressed, Hazel loved golf and entertaining the ladies of Meadowbrook Golf Club around her pool. She was accomplished gardener and a talented artist who created beautiful watercolour and oil paintings.
Hazel adored the sun. Hazel and Bill spent many years at a timeshare in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where they developed many friendships and hosted family. It was like a second home to them.
A few years after Bill's death, fellow Meadowbrook Golf Club member Arnold "Arnie" Beyer caught her eye. Hazel was completely smitten, and the two shared a wonderful and loving relationship until his death in 2008.
Hazel also had a lifelong love animals. She was rarely without a furry companion by her side and spent many happy hours walking her dogs through the hydro fields behind her home.
Her paintings are a part of her lasting legacy. They hang proudly in the homes of family members across Canada, New Zealand and Australia, including Kimberly Blease and Doug Conley; Melissa (Blease) and Jason Secord; Anne (Wragg) and Gavin Oliver; John Wragg and Maria; and Kaye (Wragg) and Bill Baxter.
The family extends its heartfelt thanks to Jacqueline Fyfe and Yordi Zakarias for the compassion, friendship and companionship they gave Hazel, particularly during her final years. Sincere thanks also go to the outstanding team at Mackenzie Health Long-Term Care, especially the nurses who cared for her with such kindness.
A private service will be held on Monday, August 10, at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Hazel's memory may be made to World Wildlife Fund Canada, the Toronto Humane Society or a local animal welfare organization of your choice.
Born in Dannevirke, New Zealand, Hazel grew up on a working sheep farm with her siblings near Horoeka, Betty (Wragg), Noela (Blease) and Ross Moore. All three predeceased her--and are surely waiting for Hazel to join them for a cup of tea or a glass of wine.
As a young woman, Hazel had a love of fashion and enjoyed modelling the latest styles. In search of adventure, she set sail with her sister Noela and their friend Bernice for an overseas tour of North America. They worked as chambermaids while travelling throughout the United States and Canada, eventually making their way to Toronto.
It was in Toronto that Hazel met and married William (Bill) George Preece. They made their home on Sawley Drive for many decades, where Hazel was known for hosting memorable Christmas gatherings and lively pool parties.
Always snazzily dressed, Hazel loved golf and entertaining the ladies of Meadowbrook Golf Club around her pool. She was accomplished gardener and a talented artist who created beautiful watercolour and oil paintings.
Hazel adored the sun. Hazel and Bill spent many years at a timeshare in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where they developed many friendships and hosted family. It was like a second home to them.
A few years after Bill's death, fellow Meadowbrook Golf Club member Arnold "Arnie" Beyer caught her eye. Hazel was completely smitten, and the two shared a wonderful and loving relationship until his death in 2008.
Hazel also had a lifelong love animals. She was rarely without a furry companion by her side and spent many happy hours walking her dogs through the hydro fields behind her home.
Her paintings are a part of her lasting legacy. They hang proudly in the homes of family members across Canada, New Zealand and Australia, including Kimberly Blease and Doug Conley; Melissa (Blease) and Jason Secord; Anne (Wragg) and Gavin Oliver; John Wragg and Maria; and Kaye (Wragg) and Bill Baxter.
The family extends its heartfelt thanks to Jacqueline Fyfe and Yordi Zakarias for the compassion, friendship and companionship they gave Hazel, particularly during her final years. Sincere thanks also go to the outstanding team at Mackenzie Health Long-Term Care, especially the nurses who cared for her with such kindness.
A private service will be held on Monday, August 10, at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Hazel's memory may be made to World Wildlife Fund Canada, the Toronto Humane Society or a local animal welfare organization of your choice.