There are condolences waiting approval on Bernadine's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of Bernadine Claire Rouse Hazen
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Bernadine.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Bernadine Claire Rouse Hazen
Bernadine “Bernie” Hazen, 84, passed away peacefully at home in Vacaville, CA, surrounded by her loving family, on June 3 rd , following a brief illness.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Christian Hazen Jr., their three sons, Christian, Curtis, and Keith, and three daughters, Karen, Carol, and Kathleen; daughter-in- law Sandra, and sons-in-law Keith VandenHeuvel and Dominick Amadeo. She was blessed with seven grand-children, Christopher (Kristina), Holly (Greg), Caleb, Krista, Katrina, Nicholas, and Harlan. She also had honorary grand-children Angela (Craig) and Dominick (Alexandra), and great-grand- children Mackenzie, Franccesca, Luke, and Dominick Anthony. Bernie is also survived by her sisters Elly Frawley, Doris VanderMeulen (Wayne), and Audrey Rohan (Phil), brothers Darrell (Kay), Bobby (Virginia), and Paul (Karen) Rouse, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bernadine, daughter of Howard and Marjorie Rouse, was born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin. At the age of 13, as the oldest of six children, she left school for a year to care for her ailing mother and help with the younger children (Doris, George, Kathleen, Darrell, and Audrey). Bernadine was preceded in death by her father, Howard Rouse, mother, Marjorie Ann Graney Rouse, stepmother, Lucy Lovelace Rouse, brothers George and Danny Rouse and Clinton Lovelace, and sister Kathleen Rouse.
After her mother passed away, her father married Lucy Lovelace and Bernadine gained a step-mother and two siblings, Clinton and Eleanor. Bernie returned to school, later graduating from East High School, Green Bay, in 1952. By then, her family had grown with three additional brothers, Bobby, Paul, and Danny. After short stints working at the Merry-Go- Round Ice Cream Shop and Western Union, she found her calling in healthcare, working at St Mary’s Hospital, Green Bay, first as a nurse’s aide and later as a central supply technician. She met the love of her life, Christian Hazen Jr., in 1955, and was married on February 11 th , 1956 at St Willebrord Catholic Church. Bernie and Chris enjoyed many adventures together, including camping and fishing with their six children. Bernie traveled by airplane for the first time at the age of 51, and discovered a whole new world, sightseeing throughout the United States and Europe. After retirement, Bernie and Chris relocated to the Southwestern United States, eventually settling in Tucson, Arizona and spending their summers in Vacaville, California.
Some of Bernie’s fondest memories include attending the high school graduations of her cherished grand-children. She prayed for her grand-children daily, for good health and happiness. She also was very close to her great-grandchildren. Bernie was proud of all her children, grandchildren, and their accomplishments. Bernie’s loving, outgoing nature, positive, optimistic attitude, and beautiful smile led to making dear friends everywhere she went. She will be remembered and treasured by her loved ones forever.
A Mass with Christian Burial will be celebrated at St Willebrord Catholic Church, Green Bay, WI. Internment will be in the Veteran Wall of Honor at Allouez Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum. A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date in Vacaville, California.
The Hazen family expresses their heartfelt appreciation for the love, support, phone calls, visits, and especially prayers from loved ones during this time. The Hazen family is especially grateful to the Kaiser Vacaville physicians, nurses, and staff that cared for Bernie while hospitalized, for the NorthBay Hospice Team that provided support after Bernie went home, and to Father Jeff Henry, Louise Henry, Alexandra Amadeo, and Mackenzie Amadeo for making this time especially memorable for Bernie. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to NorthBay Hospice and Bereavement.
