Hazel Franotovich

Although greatly saddened, we are at peace with Mom's death, which ended her long-term struggles with ill health. Her last hours were spent with her children- Nancie, Maureen, Katie and Michael (son-in-law).
Hazel Franotovich was born in Salinas to Rose and Alexander, who immigrated from Russia. She grew up in San Jose and Los Angeles. After marriage, she lived in the San Juaquin Valley, Santa Cruz and Watsonville (for 30 years).
With her husband, Tom (deceased), Hazel owned a business in downtown Santa Cruz and was active in Soroptomists, a business women's service organization. She also worked well into her 80s as an office manager for the Santa Cruz Salvation Army.
Mom's generation, dubbed "The Greatest" by Tom Brokaw, is distinguished by honorable values, strength of character, and self-reliance acquired as Depression era children and WWII survivors.
Hazel was a kind and caring person and a good mother to her children and their friends. She was an avid reader, a crossword puzzler and loved the movies, theater, her cat and ice cream. She enjoyed several vacations in Hawaii with her cousin-in-law Amelia (deceased).
We are grateful for the care Mom received from Dr. Potkin, Dr. Lopez, the Watsonville Community Hospital staff and the compassionate staff at Valley Convalescent Hospital.
Hazel is survived by her immediate family, her brother John and sister-in-law Cathi, cousin Gretchen, and extended family of nieces and nephews. Her brother Bill and sister Betty predeceased her.
Bless you, Mom. We miss you.
In lieu of flowers, say a prayer or do a kindness for someone.
We will celebrate Hazel's life on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 2 PM at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, 609 Main St., Watsonville.