Hazel (Bush) Raczkowski 87 died Thursday November 27th after a period of failing health. She was the beloved wife for 60 years to John Raczkowski.
Born and raised in Goshen, New York she was the daughter of the late Abram and Grace (Morris) Bush. She attended school in New York and went on to graduate in 1943 from St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing in Brooklyn, NY where she obtained the “Bishops Prize” for her excellence. She later became a teacher at St. John’s.
In February of 1944 Hazel joined the United States Army becoming an Army nurse during World War II until her discharge in 1946. During this time she served overseas with the 59th Hospital Train in England, Wales and Scotland, as well as in the states at both station and general hospitals. She continued her nursing career as a pediatric nurse at Brockton Hospital until her retirement.
She was a resident of Whitman for over 40 years and a member of the Eastern Star, North River and Pilgrim Chapters, and past Worthy Matron. She had served as Secretary for 10 years and a Grand Representative.
In addition to her husband John she is survived by her daughters, Carol O’Connor of Whitman and Marie Bradbury of Kennebunk, ME and her six grandchildren Meghan, Kimberly and Erin O’Connor and Alicia, Sarah and James Bradbury.
A memorial service will be held Monday December 1st at 2PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel Plymouth Street (Rt. 58 at the rotary) Whitman. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations in her name may be made to Juvenile Diabetes C/O Grand Chapter of Mass OES, PO Box 600583, Newton Ville, MA 02460-0006.