Hazel Lorraine Scalzi left this life to go on to her eternal life April 22, 2012. She was born to Paul and Lola Leitner October 31, 1919 in Sioux City, Iowa. After being raised on the family farm Hazel went on to pursue a lifelong career in nursing which started when she graduated from Florida State Nursing School in 1944 and worked until she retired at the age of 75. After moving to Southern California she met and married Richard Scalzi on August 2, 1951. They had four children. In 1970 they moved to College Place, Washington so their children could all attend the Seventh-Day Adventist schools. Hazel went to work for the Oregon State Hospital in Pendleton then worked at various nursing homes. In 1986 they moved to the Tri-Cities to be close to two of their daughters. After Richard passed away in 1987, Hazel went to work part-time for Vista View Nursing Home until she retired. In 2000 she moved to the Royal Columbian where she met her best friend Kathy Hammon. They became inseparable, always on the Dial-A-Ride going to the mall, getting their hair done, and other various outings. Hazel spent her final days under the exceptional care of Nataliya and her staff at The Mullins Home. Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and three sisters, her husband Richard of 36 years and three grandchildren, Nicholas Woodbury, Ciara Woodbury and Nicole Woodbury. She is survived by her children Marc Aunie Scalzi, Linda Cosgro, Paula Bates and Sharon Woodbury; grandchildren Cheris & Shiloh Scalzi, Paul Bates and Jared Cosgro, also, her best friend Kathy Hammon. Hazel was an extraordinary lady. She was an example to all for her strong will and her generosity. The love she had for her family was what kept her going. She will be deeply missed. She requests that you remember the joy with which she lived her life, and have peace in knowing she lives today in paradise with the Lord! Graveside services will be held Friday, April 27, 2012, at 11 a.m., at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 10th & Union, Kennewick.