Hazel Houston Montgomery was born February 3, 1919, to Terrel B. and Earbell Josephine Hawkins Houston.  She grew up in Houston as an only child and married William Robert Montgomery June 3, 1943.  Hazel died February 20, 2021, at the age of 102 and went to join her Lord Jesus Christ and her beloved Robert.  A celebration of her life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, Palacios, TX, at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 27, with Rev. Chuck Kimball officiating.  Burial will be in Houston at Forest Park Lawndale on Thursday, March 4 ^th , at 3:00p.m.

Hazel was recognized by the American Rosie the Riveter Association for her distinguished service as a working woman of World War II.  Because Robert and Hazel loved fishing and the community, they retired to Palacios in 1980 and built their home on Tres Palacios Bay.   They were active members of FPC and the community.  Hazel and Robert were happily married for 60 years and were sad they had no children.

Hazel had a great sense of humor, a quick wit, and a caring nature which endeared her to so many.  She was a very talented artist, leaving numerous memorable paintings, including one of the Palacios Pavilion and a Noah's Ark with all its critters painted across the nursery wall at First Presbyterian Church.

She continued to be a loved member of First Presbyterian for over forty years.  When Hazel could no longer attend church in person, she used her computer to host an email prayer ministry, keeping the congregation and friends up to date on concerns and, of course, sending funny items even through age 101!

Hazel was very independent and did pretty much whatever she decided she would do, even with her limitations later in life.  With a big smile on her face, she shared that, at age 98, she secretly took herself for a short drive in the car--just because she could.

Hazel's generosity was abundant as she made donations over the years from the Montgomery Family Trust to many non-profit organizations in the local community and elsewhere.  The recent Rainbowland Day Care building and the new Palacios Medical Clinic are examples of Palacios projects blessed by support from the Montgomery Family Trust.  To honor her husband Robert, Hazel established an ongoing scholarship to benefit future engineering students at the University of Houston, Robert's alma mater.  Hazel quietly touched the lives of individuals and families by giving funds that helped in difficult circumstances. The legacy that Robert and Hazel built though their Trust will continue to have a positive effect for many years to come.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband Robert.  She is survived by cousins Henry Hawkins, Judy Englehardt and Ronald Hawkins.  She will also be greatly missed by her faithful cat, Cougar.  Among Hazel's cherished friends were her caregivers Frances and Carl Bock, Colleen Claybourn, Carol Garcia and Margie Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to First Presbyterian Church, Palacios; the Palacios Community Medical Center, Rainbowland Childcare Center or a charity of your choice.