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In Memoriam

Erna Hassell (Art Jr. High 1960-1978) VIEW PROFILE

Erna Hassell (Art Jr. High 1960-1978)

Mrs. Erna Louise Hassell Art teacher (Okemos Jr. HIgh 1960-1978) was born on December 11, 1916 and passed away on July 6, 2020 at the age of 103.5 years. She had three children, Erna Hassell (Dykes) class of 1964, David B. Hassell class of 1967 (deceased) and Patricia Hassell (Ehman) class of 1973

 

Erna L. (McKenzie) Hassell, 103, passed on to Heaven from natural causes, on July 6, 2020 at Bahia Personal Care Home in Houston, Texas. Born at home in Lansing, Michigan to Robert and Erna McKenzie, Erna was a woman of many accomplishments. After graduating from Eastern High School, Erna majored in Art with a minor in Apparel and Textile Design, earning a BA at Michigan State College in 1938. For twenty-eight years she taught mainly art but also some sewing, history and English at Saginaw, Lansing and Okemos school districts, retiring in 1978.

Erna raised three children while working full time and participating in various church and school related activities. Erna was past president of the Okemos Women's Club, the Lansing Chapter of American Association of University Women, and the Episcopal Church Women of St. Paul's Church in Lansing, and she was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, MSU Art Fraternity, Michigan Amateur Radio Women's Club, and Clark Lake Sailing Club. Erna also taught Sunday school at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

After retiring, she decided to take some art classes, joined a local artist's group and began painting again. In 2002, Erna moved with Ben, her husband of 61 years, to Houston, Texas to be closer to their beloved grandchildren. Her sociable, friendly nature helped her make many new friends. Erna kept up with current affairs and loved Bible study discussions at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in League City. Always stylishly dressed, her loving smile, giving spirit, faith in God, and love of family were some of Erna's best qualities. She wil be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Erna was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin, her son, David, and her sister, Virginia Stage. She is survived by her loving daughters, Erna C. Dykes (Richard) of Jacksonville, Florida, and Patricia Ehman (Tom) of Houston, Texas; three grandchildren, Carolyn Ehman, Jonathan Ehman (Morgan) and Susan VanDusen (Will); and six great-grandchildren.

Friends are cordially invited to the visitation with the family on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. with the funeral service to follow at 3:00 P.M. at the Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, Texas 77546 (281) 992-7200. Erna will be laid to rest in East Lawn Memory Gardens in Okemos, Michigan.

Condolences may be sent to the Hassell family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at jeterfuneralhome.com.

Published in The Pearland Journal from Jul. 10 to Jul. 23, 2020.

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pearland/obituary.aspx?n=erna-hassell&pid=196476833&fhid=17883

 
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07/14/20 11:45 AM #1    

Kathleen Taylor (Saurer) (1975)

Hers was a long and richly-lived life. May her memory be a blessing to those who knew and loved her. Peaceful rest, Mrs. Hassell.  You were a joy. 


07/14/20 11:55 AM #2    

Laurel Winkel (1968)

Mrs. Hassell was my Junior High Art teacher many, many years ago at Central. My memories of her are happy ones, as she was a supportive and creative teacher. (We also shared a birthday!)  It is not surprising to read of her many activities and friendships during her retirement. She is now reunited with her husband and her son, Dave.  My heartfelt thoughts to her family - you were blessed to have enjoyed her rich long life!

1964 - Shutterbug Day in Ferguson Park, Okemos, MI. Mrs. Hassell, Sandy Sullivan, Laurel Mikles (8th grade)


07/16/20 10:57 AM #3    

Phil Arnold (1975)

She was a really good teacher, one of the few I remember from Jr. High (OHS '75)
 


02/10/21 05:35 PM #4    

Mary Fox (White) (1967)

I remember Mrs Hassell well. What a wonderful person and teacher...also my neighbor. Our families thoughts and prayers to her family. I know you have many wonderful memories.

 

Mary Fox White


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