Hazel R. Fischer

Hazel Fischer, 101, of Freeport, IL, passed away Saturday October 18, 2025 at Manor Court in Freeport. She was born on September 4, 1924, in Abingdon, IL, the daughter of Harry and Eva (Smith) Helander. Hazel worked for Driesbach & Sons Cadillac in Detroit for twenty-one years as the office manager, retiring in 1990 and then moving to Illinois to be closer to her family. Hazel enjoyed bowling, bingo and was an avid reader. Her family will remember her as a "people person" whose smile could light up a room and who loved to volunteer. This was shown through her more than twenty years of volunteering with FHN. Family was most important to Hazel and she was very proud of her extended "Helander family". 

She is survived by her two sons Vern (Sherry Parton) Fischer of Lake Elsinor, CA, and Richard (Mary) Fischer of Freeport, IL; sister-in-law Ruth Helander of Texas; and five grandchildren, Willie (Lauren ) Fischer, Scott Fischer, Michael Fischer, Greg Fischer, and Corey Estes, and several nieces and nephews.

She spent the last few years in comfort at Heritage Woods and loved (and was loved by) the staff there.

Preceding Hazel in death are her parents; two brothers Harold Helander and Gene Helander; and two sisters Hollis Lambert and Helen Rundblad. 

Per Hazel’s wishes there will be no services. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial has been established in Hazel’s memory for the Special Olympics.