Obituary of Hazel Martin

Hazel Martin was born in Portland, Oregon on August 22, 1928. She was 82 when she passed peacefully in her sleep with her son Michael at her side. She was a believer in Jesus and the eternal life He offers. Last Tuesday evening, June 21, in her hospital room with Michael's family in attendance, a Chaplain asked her about accepting Jesus and His plan of salvation. Hazel answered that she had already accepted Him. It was a beautiful time of focusing on their eternal lives and being together again in heaven someday. She is survived by her son Michael, her dear daughter in-law Nancy, and her beloved granddaughters Rachel and Alyssa. She was the youngest daughter of Ameen Farah and Rose Asaad. Hazel had 6 brothers and 3 sisters. They lived in the Southeast Foster Road area in Portland. Ameen was a shoe cobbler and Rose was a loving mother who nurtured her 10 children. Having witnessed her hard working parents, Hazel started into the working world at the young age of 13. She held different jobs such as an usherette at the local Bob White Theater and various retail jobs preceded her being hired at Nordstrom. Hazel was a very driven and determined woman. Those who knew Hazel saw this petite, confident woman accomplish many things. One of the most memorable accomplishments was working in the Women's Shoe Department and later in the Salon Shoes department at Nordstrom. After retiring from 50 years of personal service to thousands of customers, Hazel was sent a letter from Blake Nordstrom, one of Bruce Nordstrom's sons and Vice President at Nordstrom, on May 25, 2007. He wrote, " I so admire and respect what you were able to accomplish. I can't think of anyone else in the history of our company that's spent as much time on the selling floor and touching so many customers. Frankly, you made it look easy, even though we all know how demanding selling shoes can be. " Mr. Bruce and Hazel's professional and personal relationship started after Hazel began working for the company in 1955. The story of how Hazel came to work in the women's shoe department is somewhat legendary. After being hired to work in the Nordstrom women's handbag department in the old downtown Portland store on Broadway, Mr. Bruce Nordstrom needed a hostess to greet the customers who needed a salesperson to buy shoes and boots in the women's shoe department. Hazel worked as a hostess and saw to it that these customers were then served by different salesmen. At that time, there weren't any women working in the women's shoes department. It wasn't long before Hazel desired to sell shoes herself and asked Mr. Bruce. He agreed. It is believed that Hazel was the very first woman to sell women's shoes for the Nordstrom Company. It was at that moment that the legacy of Hazel Martin, known as "Queen Hazel" by those at her retirement in 2006, was born. Hazel often said how blessed she was to work for and know so many wonderful people at Nordstrom. Hazel married Jerry Martin in 1956. They adopted a son, Michael, in 1959. Hazel took a 1 year absence from Nordstrom to care for him. Hazel and Jerry were married 30 years. Together, Hazel and Jerry spent countless hours of quality time raising Michael. They sacrificially devoted their time to Michael when they weren't working. Michael is very appreciative of their supporting him in pursuing his education, hobbies, sports and interest in Cub Scouts and DeMolay. Hazel loved her family and friends very much. She enjoyed watching her two granddaughters, Rachel and Alyssa, grow up. She loved to attend their programs, sporting events and activities. She was so proud of them. Many special memories were created when Hazel took several trips to Disneyland with her family. Hazel was able to attend both of her granddaughters commencement ceremonies when they received their Bachelor's Degrees in 2009 and a few weeks before her passing in June 2011. Many times during the day would be spent talking over the phone to her friends and family. Her dearest friends and members of the family had specific times and/ or days when they would call Hazel. She would look forward to calling those same people when it was her time. Her life focused on loving, serving and supporting her family and friends. Hazel graciously blessed others with her kindness. If you were a "regular" Tri-Met bus rider or attended Valley View Evangelical Church or East Side Athletic Club or crossed paths while working with Hazel at Downtown Portland Nordstrom, she was an inspiration to make your day a little happier. Hazel was a member and regular attendee of Lents Church and later Valley View Evangelical Church until her health started to decline. A short update to Hazel's last days. Hazel's health had been declining over the last year. Though becoming thin and somewhat fragile, Hazel battled through a year of health problems showing amazing fortitude and courage. Through it all, Michael and his family are extremely thankful to God for Hazel's love for her beloved family and friends. The family looks forward to our reunion in heaven one day. Praise God! Service Information