Hazel Peek O'Toole's Obituary
Hazel Peek O'Toole passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, embraced by the love of her family.
Hazel was born in Fredericksburg on September 18, 1933, and after graduating from Spotsylvania High School, she converted to Catholicism before marrying her high school boyfriend, Bert O'Toole, in 1951. Hazel and Bert were married 71 years before his passing in 2022. Their marriage was blessed with five children, eleven grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. As a young couple, Hazel and Bert were active in the life of their community and established life-long friendships.
As their children grew older, Hazel began a professional career. She worked as a secretary/office manager in Fredericksburg and then began a daily commute to Washington, D.C., when she joined the staff of Deloitte, Haskins and Sells. After a successful career in D.C., Hazel returned to her roots accepting the position of office manager at Gari Melchers Home and Studio in Fredericksburg. Hazel's professional association with her Melcher ''family'' evolved into one of most fulfilling professional experiences.
Hazel's guiding lights were her faith in God, special devotion to Mother Mary, love for Bert, devotion to her family including her parents and siblings, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, niece and nephews, and her many steadfast and true friendships.
Holidays at home, especially Christmas and birthday celebrations, crab feasts and the gatherings after the annual Fredericksburg Holiday Tour of Homes are all fondly remembered by family and friends.
Hazel supported her children's interests and activities from their early days at Montfort Academy through their high school years. This support continued with Hazel's grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. To be a family member or a friend of Hazel was to know her grace, her kindness and the strength that shone from her soul and touched all.
Hazel and Bert took their kids ''travelling'' in the motorhome visiting the mountains of Virginia for winter skiing and annual Mrytle Beach vacations. Later in life, Hazel would venture across the Atlantic to explore Europe and the Holy Lands. She was actively involved in the Catholic Church and sang in the choir. She also participated in the Dominican Retreat's silent weekend for many years for reflection and meditation.
Hazel is survived by her children, Timothy (Susan) O'Toole, Gregory (Joy) O'Toole, Bryan O'Toole, Kathleen O'Toole (Phillip) Atkins and Daniel (Elizabeth) O'Toole; grandchildren, Jennifer, Gavin, Avery, Colleen, Trevor (Danielle), Shaun, Ashley O'Toole (Ben) Beacorn, Johnathan, Gabrielle O'Toole, MacKenzie Atkins (Darren) Pope, and William Atkins; and her 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by nephews, Kevin (Pam) O'Toole, Harry (Patti) Peek, Chris (Aimee) Peek, Wayne (Anna) Bufka and Jenniene Bufka.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George P. Peek and Lois Frazier Peek; her brother, Harry Peek; her sister, Nadine Peek Bufka; and her husband, William Herbert O'Toole.
Hazel's family would like to express their immense gratitude to the Hospice Team members who gave loving care to their beautiful mother and grandmother during her final days.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 24, 2025 at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, preceded by the rosary at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations in Hazel’s memory to St. Mary Catholic Church or to your favorite charity.
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