Cherry Valley, ILHazel Irene Smith, 77, passed peacefully at home surrounded by her family and faithful companions on Sunday, January 17, 2010. Hazel was born January 24, 1932 in Belvidere, IL the daughter of John and Lylas (Morehead) Wilson. She grew up in Irene, where she lived her entire life. She was a member of Flora Church and Ladies Aid. Hazel graduated from Belvidere High School in 1952 and worked as a C.N.A. for Belvidere Health Care and Northwoods Care Center. She married Edward W. Smith on January 5, 1957. Hazel is survived by her husband, Ed; loving mother to Nancy (Brian) Johnson, Eddie (Star) Smith, Pattie (David) Finley, Lori (Don) Heffel, Sally (Roger) Rosser, Doug (Tammy) Smith; faithful loving grandmother to Christina, Jose, Tyler, Dora, Mahalia, Michelle, Malik, Trevor, John, Susanna, Andrew, Zachary, Riley and Dylan; sister to Norma Jean Wilson, Helen Howland; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; faithful companions Poncho, Millie and farm cats. Hazel is predeceased by her parents, sister and brother in-law, Ramona and Albert Ward; brother, John Wilson; brother in-law, Harold Howland and nephews Mike and Jerry Howland.

Memorials may be given to the family or OSF St. Anthony Animal Assisted Therapy.