Mrs. H. H. Brownell (1892-1946)

BROWNELL, SIMPSON, BLOMSTROM, SNIDER

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 12/31/2002 at 12:13:11

Hazel, daughter of A. G. and Ellen Simpson, was born November 7, 1892, on a farm in Harlan township which ahd been the home of her grandparents and later her parents, passed away on Wednesday, July 31 (1946).

Her girlhood was spent on the farm as well as most of her married life. She attended the rural school 3 miles east of Maynard for a short time. Later she entered school in Maynard, where she graduated in 1910. She attended Summer School at Cedar Falls and Upper Iowa University, taking the Normal Training Course, and became one of our most efficient teachers. She taught school two and a half years in Fayette county schools.

She was a life long member of the Maynard Presbyterian Church, the Fern Rebekah lodge of Maynard, a faithful worker in Sunday School and Christian Endeavor and an active member of the Helping Hand Society.

On December 3, 1913, she became the wife of Herald M. Brownell. To this union were born three children, a daughter Gwenda, now employed in the navy department , Washington, DC, two sons, Gerald, a Captain in the army air forces at Geiger Field, Spokane, Washington and Gene on the home farm.

In 1931 Hazel underwent a thyroid operation, since which she had been in failing health. However, she had been quite active and able to be about the house until about a year ago. During her illness she was lovingly cared for my her husband, her mother and sister-in-law, Arlene Simpson.

Her father, A. G. Simpson, passed away six years ago. She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, one daughter, two sons, three grand children, her mother, Mrs. Eleen Simpson, one sister, Mrs. Marguerite Blomstrom of North Chicago, and two brothers, George of Stanley and Don of Maynard, five nieces and two nephews and many other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the Maynard Presbyterian Church, Rev. James Wray bringing the message. Interment was in Long Grove Cemetery.

Relatives from a distance attending the funeral service were Capt. Gerald Brownell and wife, Spokane, Washington; Gwenda Brownell, Washington, D. C.; Marvin Simpson, Iowa City; Mr. and Mrs. Dean Brownell and daughters, Iowa City; Mrs. and Mrs. LaVern D. Brownell, Mrs. Marquerite Blomstrom and daughter, Ellen Snider, North Chicago, Illinois.

Note - from clipping in files of the Fayette County Genealogy Society in West Union, Iowa