Hazel Earle Coleman Roeder

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Hazel Coleman Roeder, who departed this world peacefully on September 26, 2026, at Klein Hospice House in the comforting presence of her family. Born on August 18, 1937, in Durham, North Carolina, Hazel was a beacon of warmth, love, and grace throughout her life. A cherished daughter of James Erskine and Esther Jellicorse Coleman, Hazel was predeceased by her devoted husband of 54 years, John Herbert Roeder, her son John Herbert Roeder Jr., her sister Frances Blackburn, and brothers James and Bernard Coleman. Her legacy lives on through her six loving children: Elizabeth Cannon, John Michael Roeder and his wife Betsy, Gabrielle Marie Roeder, Anne O'Brien and her husband Joe, Mary Prokop and her husband George, and Carolyne Haas. She is also survived by her 14 grandchildren, including Kathleen Roeder, Daniel Roeder, Michael Roeder, Maria Roche Prust and her husband Chris, among others, and four great-grandchildren, Kamryn Prior, Kayden Prior, Vance Prust, and Colette Prust. Hazel's heart and home were always open, and her warmth extended to her numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. Hazel's journey in education saw her through Durham High School and Nursing School, after which she embarked on a remarkable career at Duke University Hospital, becoming a vital part of the first open-heart surgery team. Her professional life was marked by skill, compassion, and a dedication to healing. Hazel's life was beautifully intertwined with her faith. After converting to Catholicism for her marriage, she immersed herself in the Spiritual Renewal movement in the early 1970s, dedicating her life to scripture and spreading the message of salvation. Her devotion to her faith was mirrored in her commitment to family and community. A woman of remarkable spirit, Hazel's Southern charm and vibrant personality shone brightly in every social gathering. She was a true people person, whose joy in life was evident in her exercise groups, volunteer work, travels, and the cherished time spent with friends and family. Even as her eyesight waned, her love for her grandchildren was evident in her enthusiastic use of emojis, particularly her signature horse heads with hearts. In lieu of flowers, the family graciously requests that memorial contributions be made to Calmra, Inc., an organization dear to Hazel's heart, as it provides homes and care for adults with cognitive and physical disabilities, including her daughter Gabrielle. A funeral mass to celebrate Hazel's life will be held on October 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Community, 7321 Burkittsville Road, Middletown, MD 21769. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff of Homewood Living in Frederick, Maryland, Silverado Frederick Memory Care Community, and Klein Hospice House for their loving care and support. Hazel Coleman Roeder's life was a testament to love, faith, and resilience. Her memory will forever remain a guiding light for all who knew her.