Hazel June Crosbie

Hazel J Crosbie passed away in Kalamazoo, MI surrounded by her family on August 8, 2025. She was born at home in Marcellus to Charlie Roberts and Lillian Sherry. 

Hazel was a remarkable woman who lived life on her own terms. She spent her early years in Three Rivers and Parkville. She graduated from Mendon High School with the class of 1960. She met her Navy husband in Florida and they were married in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Navy payday in February of 1964. 

After her husbands 20 year Navy career was over, they settled on her grandmothers property in Jones, MI. Hazel took art class at Glenn Oaks College and was offered an art scholarship. This started her in obtaining an AA degree from Glenn Oak. Then a BA, BS, and MS degrees from Western Michigan University. Her degrees were in art and the study of world religions. She was particularly drawn to the Buddhist Philosophy  of Life. In the early 80's, she was asked to help set up a five week overland tour of northern India and Nepal. Part of the tour included stops at the Tibetan settlement in Dharamshala, India were the group had an audience with the Dalai Lama. This led to a life long desire to help these stateless people. Hazel decided to help educate two girls. One stayed in India getting a Nursing Degree while the other Dekyi lived with Hazel's family while attending SMC. She returned to India and worked with the Tibetan Government in exile. 

Hazel's professional life was defined by her dedicated to education and advocacy. She was on the TRAM board in Three Rivers, MI for several years and also the Cass County Youth Committee. She and her husband Robert founded a cultural center with the intention of informing people about the Tibetans and their Buddhist beliefs. The center was located in the Crosbie barn and included an altar with items from all the 14 Dalia Lamas. The center held teachings and sponsored touring groups of Monks. 

Hazel was an adjunct teacher at both Glenn Oaks and Southwestern Michigan College. She ended her career as the Director of Education Talent Search (ETS) program in Cass County, MI. 

Hazel studied Astrology for many years and was exceptionally talented in using her knowledge when questions were asked. She predicated the date and time of her husband's military promotion. 

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, sister Dixie Hemenway, Brother Charlie Roberts, sister-in-laws Joan Martin and Sandy Crosbie. She leaves behind her husband of 61 years, children Roxann Raymond and Richard Crosbie along with 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren and many dear friends who will cherish her memories forever. 

Hazel Crosbie's legacy is one of love, intelligence, and generosity. Her life was a testament to the power of education, the beauty of cultured connections and the strength of family.  

Hazel will be buried at 11AM on Friday August 15th, 2025 at Poes Cemetery 13020 Born Street, Jones, MI.