Obituary of Hazel Donoghue

Hazel Donoghue, 71, of Duxbury, MA

We are deeply saddened to share the news that after a four year battle with cancer Hazel Donoghue comfortably passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024 with her four sons lovingly by her side.  Hazel was born on April 10, 1953, in San Jose, CA, to Rita and Joseph Randazzo before relocating to Rochester, NY, graduating Mercy High School there in 1971. She then moved on to graduate from SUNY Geneseo in 1975 with a Bachelor’s degree focused on Social Work. While raising her family, Hazel then earned a Master’s degree in Education from Bridgewater State University in 2000. Her natural gift and passion in early childhood development led her to twenty joyful years of teaching second grade at Chandler Elementary School in Duxbury. She was embraced and loved immensely by her many classes and colleagues over the years whom she loved right back.

Hazel was a warm, caring and loving mother devoted to her boys. She was often referred to as a ‘saint’ because she embodied someone with great strength and an unwavering sense of selflessness; that it took to raise four boys actively involved in Duxbury hockey, wrestling, and periodic sibling mediation. While raising her kids and working, she still managed to find time for her own passion of relentless training and completion for 6 Boston Marathon’s supporting the Arthritis Foundation. She continued her love of fitness through her Elevate family, running groups, and personal training that led to meaningful, long lasting friendships up until her final day.

Hazel relished in her time with family (especially her grandchildren), friends, and beloved dog Randy. Her happy place was at our family built cottage on Lake Ontario by her father Joseph that she found most tranquil. Similarly she enjoyed all things on or by the water here in Duxbury. Hazel’s warmth was felt everywhere she went; especially in the kitchen, perfecting her mother Rita’s sauce and meatballs along with lights out holiday cooking that set the tone for all family holiday traditions to come. She was an avid reader, music lover (longtime Stick Figure fan and DMB fan club member), foodie, Boston sports fan, conversationalist, and superb travel companion.

She will forever be missed and dearly loved!

Hazel is survived by her son Brian Donoghue, and his wife Shannon Donoghue, along with her two grandkids Orla (3) and Callum (1) of Somerville, MA, her son Kevin Donoghue, and his wife Jessica Donoghue, along with her two grandkids Reese (5) and Mia (3) of Duxbury, MA, her son Matthew Donoghue, and his wife Katie Donoghue, along with her three grandkids, Chase (7), Luca (5), Isla (1) of Duxbury, MA, her son Timothy Donoghue of Biddleford, ME and her sister: Susan DeGuglielmo her husband Michael of Greece, NY. She is also survived by her former spouse Robert Donoghue of Hyannis, MA.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a funeral service in honor of Hazel’s life that will take place at Holy Family Church in Duxbury, MA on Thursday, July 18th at 10:00 AM.