Helen G. “Stetsie” Hazlett
LITTLE SILVER - Helen G. Hazlett (known to her friends and family as ‘Stetsie’) of Little Silver, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.
Stetsie was born on March 3, 1925, in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Josephine Ely and Benjamin W. Greer. She excelled in academics and sports at the prestigious Ogontz School for Young Ladies in Elkins Park, PA.
Always adventurous and defying convention, Stetsie took flying lessons as a young woman, a rarity at the time. Much to her mother’s displeasure (perhaps concern!), she would fly over the family home in Meadowbrook, tipping her wings as she flew over.
On June 19, 1948, Stetsie married the love of her life, James (Jimmy) V. Hazlett, II. Jimmy’s work for The Dupont Company led them on 17 moves throughout their marriage. They had one son, James V. Hazlett, III (known as ‘Sandy’), who sadly predeceased Stetsie on December 15, 2023. His passing was a great source of grief for her.
An accomplished athlete in her school years, Stetsie excelled in tennis and golf, among other sports. Her competitive spirit continued throughout her life. She was a member of the United States Senior Women’s Golf Association, where she won many prizes and trophies. Stetsie held memberships at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, the Rumson Country Club (where she won Club Championships and numerous awards), and the Seabright Beach Club in Rumson, NJ.
Stetsie was known for her intelligence, sharp wit, and keen sense of humor, making her a captivating conversationalist. An excellent duplicate bridge player well into her later years, Stetsie loved the competition and camaraderie of the game. Jigsaw puzzles were another passion, and there was always a new one waiting to be tackled on her dining room table.
Stetsie is survived by her son’s wife, Kim Hazlett, her niece Elizabeth H. Perrott, her grandnephews Andrew S. Perrott, Walter F. Hagar V, and Jeffrey H. Perrott, and his three daughters, Clementine, Amelie, and Capucine Perrott. For the past 30 years, Clarice Hutchinson lovingly cared for Stetsie, becoming an extended member of the family.
Stetsie was predeceased by her husband James V. Hazlett II, her sisters Elizabeth G. Lieber and Josephine Laub, and her nephew Walter F. Hagar IV.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank, NJ. Burial will be at West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd, PA. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity, 45 South Street, Freehold, NJ 07728.