Obituary of Hazel Hansen Lombardi

Hazel Hansen Lombardi passed away June 23, 2006 at the age of 95. She was born June 4, 1911 in St. Helena, CA. For the past 3 years she resided at Fairmont Rehab Hospital where she continued to receive and enjoy visits from her family and many friends. She attended Lodi Academy taking classes in Normal School (teaching classes). She boarded with a Lodi family where she was expected to get up early, feed three children and get them off to school. She then left for her classes at the academy. When school was out, she came right "home" in time to do the large amount of laundry and prepare supper for the family. After other housekeeping chores, she got the children ready for bed. Then she did the ironing. Only then did she have time to study, often falling asleep over her books. Two years later she transferred to Fresno Adventist Academy, staying also as a live-in with another family. She married Henry (Hank) Lombardi, and they moved to Lodi a few years later. He preceded her in death in 1985. Hazel led a busy and wonderful life. Starting in 1935, she was the wedding coordinator at her church. In those days she even sewed the bridesmaid's dresses and assembled the flowers for the wedding party. She taught 4th grade at Lodi SDA Elementary school for many years. She also drove the school bus. Later she taught Home Economics at Lodi Academy. Many of her students have visited her these many years later saying that she was their best teacher, and how her Christ centered life influenced them to become Christians. Hazel lived her life as a true Christian. Her entire life evolved around her church. After her husband Henry died, she moved to the Golden Oaks retirement village on the grounds of the English Oaks Seventh-day Adventist Church where she was surrounded by her many friends. She was able to care for herself up to three years ago. Her mind was as smart as ever, but her body failed her. She is survived by her daughter, Sheila Chirco and son-in-law, Joseph. Hazel had six brothers, Ted, Walt, Irvin and Harland. Only two, Alfred and Paul Hansen survive her. Also surviving her are two grandchildren, Penny Igarashi and Daniel Morgan and spouses, Devin Igarashi and Margaret Morgan; great-grandchildren Kiley, Amanda and Matt Morgan, Hayley Igarashi and Alicia Morgan; great-great grandchildren, Ambra, Dillon, Bailey and Mike Morgan, Dayton and Calie Morgan. Friends are invited to visit Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Lodi Funeral Home. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the English Oaks Seventh-day Adventist Church. Committal is private. In lieu of flowers, she would have appreciated donations to the worthy student fund at the Lodi Seventh-day Adventist Elementary school in care of Lodi English Oaks.