Mary Patricia Kolb Hazelwood
Mary’s life was defined by the joy she received by bringing joy to others. She had a unique gift for making people feel special. Born on January 24, 1940, in Alton, she was the third child of Alfred and Florence (Fuser) Kolb. Mary grew up alongside her sisters, Jean and Gayle, and her brother, Norman, on the family farm in rural Brighton, Illinois.
On April 14, 2002, Mary married John Everett Hazelwood, with whom she shared 22 wonderful years until his passing in April 2024. Mary herself passed away on September 18, 2025, following a brief illness. She also had a nephew who proceeded her in death. She is survived by her sisters, Jean Beilsmith of Brighton, IL, Gayle Howard of Indianapolis, IN, and her brother Norman Kolb of Overland Park, KS. John’s children are Lori Ramey of Montana, Carolyn Yngvildr-Odinsdottir of Tennessee, and Chad Hazelwood of London, England, who together provided them with 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Although Mary had no children of her own, she held a special place in her heart for John’s grandson, Zavier. Her legacy extends to many nieces and nephews, all of whom remember how she made each of them feel unique and valued.
After graduating from Marquette High School in Alton, Illinois, Mary attended Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas, where she earned a degree in Home Economics in 1962. She began her professional journey at Illinois Power as a home economist, later moving to the Missouri Dairy Council in St. Louis. Her career took her to Mid America Dairy in Springfield, Missouri, and Springfield, Illinois. Demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning, Mary returned to school to obtain a Library Science degree, after which she spent the remainder of her career at the central branch of the St. Louis Public Library, retiring in 2002.
Mary was an avid reader who could converse on a wide range of topics. She was always interested in what others were reading, eager to share recommendations. Holidays held a special significance for her, and she took great delight in decorating for every occasion. Her favorite was the fall season and Halloween, when she hosted an annual celebration complete with a bonfire, hot chocolate, cider, and s’mores. In addition to traditional holidays, Mary created a monthly “Flamingo Friday Party” in her neighborhood, a tradition her neighbors plan to continue in her honor.
Services: Mary was a devoted member of Little Flower Catholic Church, located at 1264 Arch Terrace Street in St. Louis, Missouri. Visitation will be at the church, Saturday, November 8 from 9:00-10:00 am followed by a Mass at 10:00 am. All are welcome to join in a celebration of life and luncheon starting at 11:30 am at Maggiano’s, #2 The Boulevard St. Louis, Richmond Heights, MO. Memorial contributions in Mary’s honor may be made to the St. Louis Public Library Foundation, 1415 S. Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103 or to Masses at Little Flower Catholic Church.
A private burial will be held at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL. The funeral Mass may be watched live. The link for viewing the funeral Mass at Little Flower Catholic Church is: https://www.youtube.com/@littleflowermass5376/featured. Click on Live.
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