HAZEL LORENE GREGORY SMITH passed away Monday December 29, 2008, three weeks before her 99th birthday.  Daughter of Oma Mae Nipper and William Peter Gregory, she was born on January 19, 1910 in Rock Springs, AL. Preceded by her sister, Lovella, and the father of her four children, Dr. Marshall E. Smith, she is survived by daughter Lorraine Sitton (Robert) of Tampa and their children Sarah Kiel of Birmingham and William Sitton (Carrie) of Omaha and great granddaughters, Allie and Maddie; son Dr. Gregory Smith (Hiroko) Vienna, VA, and their daughter, Amy Meinbresser (Jerry) and great granddaughters, Madison and Hanna; son Marvin Smith (Raeann) of Ventura, CA and their sons Kyle and Eric; and son Dr. Lamar Smith (Judi) of Virginia Beach and their sons, David, Garrett, and Ian; and nieces and nephews scattered throughout the country. Mrs. Smith was a life-long member of Hyde Park Presbyterian Church and active in many of its functions, enjoying Bible study groups and her beloved PrimeTimers.  She was a former member of the Palma Ceia Country Club, and traveled extensively throughout the world.  She was past president of the Women's Medical Auxiliary, Women's Kiwanis Club of Palma Ceia, Tampa Women's Guild, Tampa Women's Garden Club, first president of the Tampa Easter Seals Guild and member of the DAR.  She initiated the Tampa Philharmonic Orchestra's "After the Concert Supper" series, introducing Tampa to famed Italian conductor, Alfredo Antonini and helped establish three PTAs in three different Tampa schools. She owned and operated Hazel's Catering for over 30 years and was famous for her asparagus sandwiches. In her own words, she "witnessed the world changing before her eyes;" having started her life in the days of the horse and buggy, she survived the Influenza Epidemic of 1918-1919 (in which her father died at the age of 30), the Great Depression, witnessed the third inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and was a keen observer of the great strides made in medicine and space technology. She felt privileged to be an American and wanted to give back to her community by serving others to the best of her abilities. Services were held and officiated by Dr. Kenneth D. Shick at Rose Hill Memorial Park on Wednesday, December 31, 2008.

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MacDonald Funeral Home

Lowell J. MacDonald

Funeral Director & Owner