Marjorie “Marge” Ann (Albright) Hazlett
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Memorial service for Marjorie “Marge” Ann Hazlett, 86, Lawrence will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church on Friday, February 23 at 2:00 PM. She died February 17, 2018 at Brewster Health Center in Topeka. She was born on February 15, 1932 in Lawrence Kansas the daughter of Gary Edgar and Pearl E Albright.
Marge has been a member of Plymouth Congregational Church for over 50 years.
She married Robert D. “Bob” Hazlett on April 5, 1953. He preceded her in death on July 12, 1996.
Survivors include her daughter, Karen Russell, her son-n-law, Jeff Russell, both of Topeka and one grandson, Matthew Russell, Kansas City. She was preceded by her daughter, Melinda Hazlett Dunlap and infant son Scott.
Marge had a zest for life and was a fun and classy lady. She was a true-blue Jayhawk her entire life. She attended Kansas University and was a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority. She loved her career of working as the Head Football Coach Secretary at Kansas University. She worked for 41 1/2 years serving 10 different coaches.
Marge loved to travel and took several trips with her husband Bob and friends to Hawaii. Her biggest joy was spending time with her number one grandson Matthew. She also loved spending time with Jeff and Karen at their home in Topeka. Marge impacted the lives of many people and will be missed every day by her family and friends.
The family suggest memorial contributions in her name to Plymouth Congregational Church and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and may be sent in care of Warren McElwain Mortuary.
A beautiful angel entered heaven yesterday! Marge will be greatly missed by her many friends and her family here on earth, but I know she has already made her mark in heaven with her engaging personality and big smile. My thoughts are with Karen, Jeff and Matthew at this most difficult time. You were Marge’s world!
Marge was much, much, much more than my secretary. She was a GREAT friend. Her love for KU was only surpassed by her love for her family—Karen, Jeff and Mathew. Her warmth, smile, humor will last for all that knew her. Marge was truly a great lady.
Sorry for your loss,
Our father has wonderful memories of the Hazlett family. She will be missed.
Sincerely George Goff & Family
Marge was truly a “light” in this world– She meant so much to so many people through all those years working at KU and in the Lawrence community . Rochelle and I will always be grateful to her for her life long friendship, love and support. We will miss all those fun moments and laughter- Marge was a wonderful person who was beautiful inside and out. She will be missed but never forgotten. May God Bless Karen, Jeff and Matthew during this difficult time. Please know how much we all love and support you. Tim, Rochelle, Brett, Brianna, Brooke and Brandon Allen.
We were all so lucky to have such a great extra “Mom” we could unload to in the football office. She could prop us up by explaining her latest shopping strategy and laughing loud and hard at any of our stories. Thanks, love you “Marvelous Marge”
Our family met Marge relatively late in the game but she quickly became one of the gang. We are so going to miss making more memories and drinking black, stout coffee together but every cardinal, cheetah or monarch butterfly will remind of us you. Oh, and glitter. That too. We love you. We miss you. Our sympathy to Karen and Jeff and Matthew during this time. The Georgeson family.
Dear Karen, Jeff, and Matthew,
I feel so lucky to have known Marge and will always have the best memories of the fun times we shared at the athletic department. She was such a classy lady and her zest for life was contagious. I hope you can feel the love that everyone is sending you during your time of loss. Heaven has a classy new angel. XOXO
Marge was such a wonderful person in every way! Whenever you saw her, it was like picking up where you left off with a dear friend. Way back in the day in the Broken Arrow neighborhood, we all were a clan–not much money but a ton of friendship and neighborliness. Bob and Marge were always at the center of the fun. She was a beautiful person in every way. Her beautiful shoes and personality cannot be replaced. We will all miss her so.
I met her when I was an 18 year-old freshman at KU and I was given the opportunity to be her assistant in the football office. I quickly learned that while her official title was secretary to the head football coach, she was actually the boss of everyone. Marge and Carole Hadl were the heart and soul of the KU football program; the connective tissue of all the history and tradition. I had the extraordinary good fortune of spending my entire college career in Marge’s care. She was like a second mother to me as I navigated my first time away from home. She made me laugh every single day. We shared CheezIts and peanut M&Ms and Diet Cokes and funny stories. Her outfits and accessories were on point; her hair and nails were always flawless (she would want me to note that). She taught me most of what I know about being a strong woman in male-dominated environment. She was smart as a whip, competent, charming and totally invested in everyone she knew. Our friendship continued long after I left Lawrence. We would have wine together at Teller’s whenever I came to town. She and Karen and Jeff and Matthew and I spent a memorable day touring all the sights of Los Angeles together when I lived in Santa Monica. We met many times over the years and we stayed in touch with emails and phone calls. She loved to tell me about all of Matthew’s adventures – proud does not begin to describe her feelings toward him. She talked about her trips with Karen and Jeff and I could feel her beaming through her words. She was the first person to send each of my children Jayhawk apparel when they were born. The last time we talked I stood outside a restaurant in 10 degree weather with my husband waiting for me inside for 20 minutes while I finished my conversation with Marge. She was so engaging; it was impossible to say goodbye. Last week I was running in Central Park and saw a gorgeous bird and immediately thought of Marge. She was never far from my thoughts. I am heartbroken that she has left us but so profoundly grateful to have known her and to have called her my friend for so many years. I never knew her age before today. To me, she was simply the most vibrant, strong, funny, enchanting and beautiful mentor and friend. The First Lady of Lawrence. Cheers to a life well-lived, my Marge. You are missed already.
Marge was the Best! Always there to listen to me and had great advice. You will be missed!
Thank you for your ear, much Love.
A great lady that heaven is blessed to have! Thoughts and prayers are with the family!
Dear Karen,
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was fabulous and beautiful and always so lovely to me during my years at KU and in the years since whenever I saw her around. I loved and appreciated her glamorous exterior and down-to-earth personality equally. Please know my thoughts are with you and Jeff and Matthew.
Our love and prayers to Karen, Jeff and Mathew. She remained “Aunt Marge” to me and continued to treat me like family. I’ll always remember her and Bob’s Homecoming soup parties, her ageless beauty and her wonderful laugh. We will miss you and remember you always.
Karen I’m so sorry for your loss! Dad(Otto Schnellbacher) and Coach Fam always had great stories! I know how much they treasured your mom! Heaven sure is getting a great group of Jayhawks!! Many prayers!
Mary T Schnellbacher-Decker
Frank Seurer
Marge was an institution at KU football. She always had time to listen to your daily adventures and had an encouraging word that seemed to help. I’ll remember her as a fun loving hard worker who somehow kept our coach on track. I only wish to have her energy and enthusiasm that never ceased. She will be missed.
Marge and Bob were such dear friends to my parents (Floyd and Bev Temple) the memories of their friendship, parties and travels are so special to me and my family. To the Hazlett Family from the Temple Family, God bless you all.
Marge was like a second Mom to all us KU football players. She gave me so much love and encouragement. Marge was a true gem who helped us grow as student-athletes and young men. We were blessed to have her in ours lives.
Just thinking of Marge brings a smile to your face……and that’s a pretty good legacy.
What a wonderful, wonderful woman, and what a delight Marge was! My dad always held Marge in such high regard, and it wasn’t just because Marge did ALL the work for the Class of ’49 reunions. I’m gonna miss her, but I can’t help but smile thinking about what a fabulous person she was!
Karen,
My condolences to you and your family on your Mother’s passing. Although I have not been in contact with either one of you for many years I have such fond memories of Marge and you . She truly was a beautiful , radiant person inside and outwardly. I know your heart aches and that you miss her terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Karen and Family, I was so sorry to read of your mother’s passing. What a wonderful, full life she had. She sounds like a mover and shaker just like you, Karen! I bet she had many stories of KU football from the inside. All my love, thoughts, and prayers are with you at this time.
Mrs. Hazlett was the epitome of a good neighbor, loved by children, adults, and even dogs. We would regularly see her watering her plants on her front porch and go over for a not-so-short chat. She provided several letters of reference for scholarships (which worked, because I got them) and jobs (got those too), and even provided me tickets for my first KU Basketball game. We would watch her house while she was gone and we would need to take in the mail every day because I had never seen one person get so many catalogues. I remember asking her about that one time and she laughed and said that a woman has to know all the trends, you know. She was a great person to ask for pictures for a collage. Even my daughter loved to go to Mrs. Hazlett’s house and talk. I’m pretty sure Mrs. Hazlett would give my daughter candy but was never able to get either of them to admit it.
We all really miss her, and that red house will always be Mrs. Hazlett’s house in my mind.
Karen and family. I am so sorry to see this, my prayers are with you all. I know that heaven has a new angel and goodness the cousins Doris and Marge together again. I am sure the stars in the sky cannot match the bling those two have brought to heaven. Many cherished memories I have of her. I hope all the memories of joyous times help you through this time.
My love and condolences to you during this sad time. Your mom was a beautiful woman inside and out. I always loved seeing your dad too. I know you will miss her so much. I always think of you all when I pass her red home on the corner with the crisp white curtains.
Karen, Jeff, and Mathew, Marge and Bob were good friends and neighbors to my parents (Millie and Gene Foree). I remember many a Friday night poor boy party, and trips to Omaha for the horse races. I just wanted to express my condolences and let you know I am thinking of you and your family. I think Marge was one special lady.
Sincerely yours
George Foree
Karen, I am so sorry for your loss. Man you and your Mom together in Target were a force to contend with…….( I first met her there) A beautiful lady with a full joy of living. Our sympathies and condolences….I am sick I can not make the service. Blessings to all….
My first thought was of sadness when I heard of Marge’s passing. After seeing her almost every day for close to 20 years when we worked together at the KU football office, it was hard to fathom this classy lady no longer gracing the Earth with her charming personality, funny humor, quick wit or perfectly matched outfits and accessories.
My next thought was one of thanks for getting to spend time with her recently at two bowl reunions this past fall. Little did I know her time was short when I saw her last.
My next thought was one of happiness, realizing what an amazing life she has had! I know she is dancing on a cloud after being reunited with Bob, Mindi and other dearly departed family and friends…or maybe cracking a joke with St Peter…or giving him advice on how to improve himself in some way. It is hard to be sad when you know she is in heaven and has gained eternal life!
Marge touched so many people with her time here on Earth, and had a great life filled with great and close family and friends. I know how much she loved Karen, Matthew, and Jeff, as she was always quick to share stories, pictures, adventures and accomplishments of them every chance she got with anyone who would listen.
Marge also loved KU and the Jayhawks, and had many stories and memories of past football players, coaches, games, co-workers and friends. I know many of MY football memories have Marge (and Carole) in them! She was so much fun to work with – very classy and a little sassy! I don’t think she had many bad days, as she always had a smile, a funny comment or something positive to say to everyone.
My final thoughts are that I hope I have half the legacy that she has had when my time on Earth is done. I know she is greatly missed already by those closest to her, especially Karen, Matthew and Jeff. I offer my deepest and heartfelt sympathy to them, as I know they are heartbroken and will be lost without her.
Marge, Rest In Peace, my friend, and know you were loved by many!
Dear Karen, I pretty sure when I was growing up I thought your parents were related to me, as I would see them as often as I saw my aunt and uncle when we were in Lawrence every other weekend for a football game! Your mom was definitely my favorite of all of Bev and Jane’s friends.???? Also, Chugg and I will never forget your parents coming to our wedding a week after Mindy passed away, it meant so much to us and still does. We hope to be at the service tomorrow, roads are still icy down this way, but we plan to see you.
Marge Hazlett is a legend for the Pearce family. I remember to this day how special I felt when I got to meet her for the first time as a Jayhawk – finally getting to join such an elite club that she welcomed me into with open arms! She kept me in stitches with stories of her friendship with my grandmother, Blanche, and she gave me a connection to my grandfather with her love of KU football. If I felt homesick for my family while I lived in Lawrence, a visit with Marge gave me instant comfort and left me laughing again.
It’s hard for me to put into words what Marge’s friendship with my grandma taught me but I hope one day I am as close to my friends as they were to each other. Marge also gave me such a strong sense of what I could be – she was fearless and fun and fabulous! – and she meant so much to me. The support she gave myself and Ben in Lawrence will never be forgotten and I will wear red lipstick this weekend (and any leopard print I can find!) in her honor!
All my love to Karen, Jeff and Matthew.
When Marge Hazlett’s spirit went to heaven there must have been electricity in the room. Her charm and grace were so infectious that being near her caused those around her to feel full of grace. Marge and Bob were my parent’s friends and our family’s neighbors (Ralph and Gini Adams). I saw Marge only twice in the last thirty years, the last time at my mother’s funeral, but both times stay clearly in my mind because at the moments she spoke to me I felt so full of grace.
Dear Karen and Jeff,
I’m so sorry to hear of Marge’s passing. She was such a great lady and was always a lot of fun. I always think of Marge and Bob when I drive by the Mindy Tree. You all have always been a wonderful part of our family.
-Drew Hammond