Hazel M. (Howard) Lackey

ORANGE- Hazel M. (Howard) Lackey, 96, of West Main Street, died on Friday, October 6, 2023 at Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol.

Born in Orange on May 2, 1927, she was the daughter of Elwin and Florence (Kimball) Howard and grew up in Orange, graduating from Orange High School in 1944.

Hazel was married to Milton Lackey, who predeceased her on May 17, 2009.

Dedicated to helping others, Hazel owned and operated the Orange Community Clothing Center for 50 years, retiring at age 90. The Town of Orange honored Hazel and her community service by dedicating the parking lot and park across from her store on West Main Street. A coincidence of that location, Hazel had family that lived in the former Bradford Hotel on that spot.

A member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in South Athol, Hazel served the church and the community whole heartedly.

Hazel had also been a cook at the former Eastern Star at the Wheeler Mansion for 20 years.

Hazel is survived by her children, Virginia Rana of Athol, Les Lackey of North Brookfield, and Michael Lackey and his wife, Debra, of Royalston; many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Besides her parents, Hazel was predeceased by her sons, Guy Lackey, James Lackey, and Robert “Bobby” Lackey, as well as her brothers, Roy Howard, Earl Howard and Guy Howard.

There are no calling hours.

A celebration of life will be held at the church in South Athol at a later date and time.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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