Obituary of Hazel M. Cullam

Hazel Cullam, of Mt. Kisco, was born on October 1, 1919 to Roderick and Albina MacKenzie. She passed on Sunday, August 24th surrounded by all of her family. Hazel was born on a farm in Port Hood, Nova Scotia located on the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Cape Breton, Canada. As the story goes, Hazel's uncle came to the U.S. to take advantage of the gold rush. En route, he was robbed in Grand Central Station. Penniless, her uncle came to Mt. Kisco to make a living in his trade as a carpenter. Hazel and her extended family then came to settle in Mt. Kisco in 1925. Hazel held a huge spot in her heart for Cape Breton. She loved the bag pipes, the tartans, the fishing, farming, fiddling and her Canadian family. Hazel was a graduate of Mt. Kisco High School. One of her first positions was at Dr. Olsen's office, where she met Thor Johannessen, who recently emigrated from Norway. Thor and Hazel were married in 1945. Thor was a Ski Trooper in the 10th Mountain Infantry and lost his life in 1945, days before WWII ended. Hazel was blessed with a son, Thor James, seven months later. Hazel married life-long Mt Kisco resident, John Cullam, and was married 56 years at the time of his death in 2007. Hazel and John had a son John William (Billy) and daughter Leanne. Billy lost his battle to Leukemia in 1994. Hazel was retired from the Bedford Central Schools, having worked in the nurse's office at the Mt. Kisco Elementary School. She was a loyal member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Eastern Star. Hazel was known for her superb crafting skills from quilting, needlepoint, sewing, knitting, antiquing and extraordinary Christmas ornaments. Her culinary highlights were homemade soups and crumb cake! Since a child, Hazel attended the United Methodist Church of Mt Kisco. She was the longest standing member on record. Her Dad built the Sunday School wing and chapel. Hazel's love for this church may be the reason she made her home on Smith Ave., so her family could walk to church. Much of her life passions revolved around the Church. She participated in every committee and activity at Church from rummage sales, craft circles, and the Christmas bazaar. Hazel leaves behind son Thor Johannessen and his wife Doris, of Mt Kisco; daughter, Leanne Summers and husband Kirk of Bedford; and Daughter-in-law Donna Cullam of Bedford Hills. Hazel had eight Grandchildren and eight Great Grandchildren, all of whom reside locally. Hazel's family celebrates the love, gifts and memories she has given to each one of them. Friends may call on Wednesday from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9PM at Oelker-Cox & Sinatra Funeral Home, 262 E. Main Street, Mount Kisco, NY. The funeral will be Thursday at 10:00 at United Methodist Church Of Mt. Kisco, 300 E Main St, Mt. Kisco. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Kisco. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to United Methodist Church of Mt. Kisco, 300 E Main St, Mt Kisco, NY 10549, 914-666-5014