Hazel was born on August 6, 1921 in Reeder, North Dakota the daughter of Andrew and Annie Ericson Sorlien. She attended school in Reeder through the eighth grade. Hazel moved to Montana in 1938 where she lived with her sister´s family The John Gunthers. She worked at the Klein Hospital and later as a waitress at the Midway Cafeé. It was there she met and fell in love with co-worker Edward Portwine.
Hazel and Ed were married in 1941, on Christmas Eve at Midnight Mass. After their marriage they were employed at the George Rue Ranch herding sheep. Their first home was a sheep wagon and they slept with their potatoes to keep them from freezing. When Ed returned from serving in the Navy on Guam, during WWII they built their own home in Broadus. In this home they raised five children, in addition Hazel boarded high school students and baby sat. In 1954 Hazel and Ed purchased McLees Sheet Metal & Plumbing business and added hardware and a gift store. Hazel operated Ed´s Hardware for 27 years.
Upon retiring Hazel enjoyed traveling with family and friends. She loved her trips to Alaska with Ed; her Alaska family enjoyed seeing the motor home parked in their back yard. Whether she was fishing in Prince William Sound or had taken over Joanne¹s kitchen canning salmon or moose meat, she was happy.
Hazel spent many hours volunteering. She volunteered at the Powder River Historical Society Museum, delivered meals on wheels, shopped for the residents of Powder River Manor, and was also a Senior Companion. Hazel was a member of Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW 1595, Broadus Home Demonstration Club, and Saint David´s Altar Society.
Hazel was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, and grandmother. All her children and grandchildren treasured the times spent with her. She was the heart of her family and will be greatly missed.
Hazel is survived by her son Daniel (Joanne)Fairbanks, AK, daughters, Mary Ann Cortez (BJay) Fairbanks, AK, Linda Elwonger (Steven) Gillette, WY, Debbie Talcott (Duane)Hammond, MT, 19 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-granddaughter, brother-in-law Zib Portwine (Jean), and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers and 4 sisters, her husband Daniel Edward Portwine I in 1994, son Andrew Portwine in 1987, granddaughter Jenifer Lynn Cortez in 1976, and grandson Daniel Edward Portwine III in 1992.
Visitation will begin Friday, October 14, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. A Vigil service will be held on Friday, October 14, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. David´s Catholic Church in Broadus. Rite of Committal will follow in the Valley View Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is in charge of the arrangements.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Powder River Manor, St. David´s Catholic Church, or Powder River Historical Society Museum all of Broadus, MT.
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
18:00
Friday October 14, 2011
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
East Wilson
Broadus, MT 59317
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00
Saturday October 15, 2011
St. David's Catholic Church
217 N Wilbur Ave
Broadus, MT 59317
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Pat Sturdevant says
So sorry for your loss Debbie. My thoughts and Prayers are with you and all the family. If I can help in any way just let me know.
Pat Sturdevant
Linda Richards Macy says
To The Portwine Family,I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mother. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Bill and Kara Lambert says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hazel was a grand lady always dressed in her best and her hair done perfectly she was such a pretty lady and a very sweet soul. She was a great neighbor and we are happy to have known her. May the good memeories and God’s love comfort you all. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Roberta 'Bird' Rickman says
I really loved your mom and am saddened to hear of her passing. Love to all of you.
Dulcie Wright says
Our prayres are with you. Thank you for sharing Hazel with us. She was such a delight, we have fond memoriesof her. Dulcie, Zane and Olvia
Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich says
We are so sorry for your loss. Hazel was a wonderful, spunky and caring person, who endured so many sadnesses in her life but chose to focus on the blessings she had instead. Those blessings are you, her children and grandchildren. May your precious memories give you comfort.
Judy Denson-Keller says
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Danny, Mary Ann, Linda, Debbie and their families. I don’t think there was a time in my life that I didn’t know Hazel, Ed or their family. There was not one person in Broadus who didn’t know Ed, Hazel or any of the Portwine family. Broadus has suffered a great loss when this wonderful lady passed away. She has gone on to be joyfully reunited with her beloved loved ones who went on before her. May she rest in peace. May God Bless all of you! Sincerely,
Judy Denson-Keller
Gene a schneidt says
Sorry to hear of your loss.hazel will be greatfully missed.god bless you all. and safe travel on your way to your homes. gene
Chase & Elizabeth Talcott says
We miss you grandma but we are also happy you are back with grandpa. With love,
Chase & Lizzy
Shannon Halsey-Holmen says
I was a friend of Andrews from Sacred Heart in Miles City. Im so sorry for another one of your family members passing. Glad they are together again. Heres to lots of fond memories.
Shannon Halsey-Holmen
Wayne Wetherelt Jr says
To the Family of Hazel Portwine
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Hazel was a special person and will be missed by all. May it give you comfort to know she will be with those missing family members who have gone before her. I will cherish those hugs or just the gentle touch she always gave me when I would see her. Take care and may you all hold many fond memories of a grand lady.
Cora (Watters) Bynum says
I remember Hazel as someone who always looked out for my grandmother, Mary Watters. I am sorry for your loss.
Gwen (Gamrath) Gunther says
Many fond childhood memories involve time spent at Grandma Hazel’s house with Linda’s family. I remember her as such a grand lady, and a loving grandma in the midst of chaos when we were all around! Please know that my thoughts are with your family during this sad time.
Jan Anderson says
Aunt Hazel was a very special lady, and served as a surrogate mom to me after my mother died. I was married and had children of my own then, but I felt lost and alone none the less. I will miss her greatly, but am comfortable knowing she is at peace in the arms of Jesus.
Pam & Dave Nisley says
Our prayers are with you during this huge time of loss. Hazel was such a dear, I am thankful she enriched all of our lives.
I remember in my younger years how helpful she was at their hardware store. In recent years Dave counted Hazel as “one of his girlfriends”. What a great loss for our community, and a big gain for heaven.
Love and prayers to you all.
Wanda Wallace-Hughes says
Hazel always had a smile and was such a lady. She will be missed by so many people. I have such fond memories of her. My sympathy goes out to all the family and I will be thinking of all of you on Saturday.
Cassy Biesheuvel says
I will always have warm memories when I think of Hazel. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
bob and diane bogner says
We were very saddened to hear of Hazel’s passing. She was so kind and accepting to all and our family remembers her for this. Hoping the coming days get easier for you with God’s grace and guidance.
Gary Mclees says
My thoughts and prayers are with you.Just remember Hazel is in a better place. I know she well be missed, but aways in your hearts