Hazel Kathleen Serin

In loving memory of

SERIN, Hazel Kathleen

July 2, 1924 – September 21, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the

passing of Hazel Serin, at age 100.

Hazel was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England,

the only child of Roland and Ivy Jenkinson who

predeceased her. Hazel was also predeceased

by her first husband, Peter Serin, in 1990; her

second husband, Nicolaas Samsom, in 2022;

and her son Ralph (Carolan) of Ottawa in 2023.

Hazel is survived by her two other sons,

Christopher of North Vancouver and Roger

(Janice) of Calgary; five grandchildren: Megan

Ashlee (Brandon) Bowes, Avely, Michael

(Tara), Mackenzie and Spencer; and five great

grandchildren: Talan, Jarrett, Kyler, Everley and

Charlotte.

On completion of high school in 1940, Hazel

joined the war effort in England where she met

her first love, Peter. They were married in 1947

after the war. During this period, she started a

lifelong involvement with volunteering to help

in her community, starting with the Women’s

Auxiliary in the aftermath of the war.

In 1957, Peter, Hazel and their three sons

emigrated to Canada, settling in Port Hope,

Ontario.

Every summer the family took annual camping

trips across North America, initially in a tent,

progressing to a tent trailer and finally a

motorhome. It was during these trips that Hazel

and Peter fell in love with western Canada and

planned for retirement on Vancouver Island.

They continued making long motorhome trips

around North America after retirement.

Throughout her time in Port Hope, Hazel

volunteered in numerous activities, in particular

acting as a leader and counsellor in the Boy

Scouts of Canada for over 20 years.

Having missed the opportunity to complete her

education due to the war, Hazel completed a

degree in Psychology at Trent University in 1973

after her sons had left for university.

After Peter’s retirement, he and Hazel moved

to the Comox Valley in 1982. There, Hazel was

instrumental in founding the Comox Valley

Senior Peer Counselling Service in 1992, where

she used her skills and energy to support

seniors who experienced challenges in their

lives. Hazel continued this until she was no

longer able to drive. In 2012, Hazel was awarded

the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Service Award for

her volunteer service to the community.

After the death of Peter, Hazel travelled

frequently throughout the world until she met

the second love of her life, Nicolaas Samsom.

Hazel and Nick continued to travel while still

physically able and enjoyed many trips to

Europe to visit family and friends. In their late

80’s they started enjoying cruises, including to

the Mediterranean and Caribbean. With age,

their travel came to an end, and Hazel and Nick

enjoyed the peace and seclusion at their home

on River Meadow Farms.

Hazel lived at home until shortly after her 100th

birthday. Her health deteriorated quickly after

suffering a fall, significantly impacting her

mobility and preventing her from returning to

her home.

We wish to acknowledge the care Hazel received

from the many caregivers while at home; from

the staff at the North Island Hospital Comox

Valley; and for her last few weeks, from the staff

at Luther Court in Victoria. Per her wishes, a

private memorial will be held.