Hazel Froscher

October 26, 1919 – March 24, 2011

Hazel Froscher, 91, passed away peacefully at home in Carpinteria in the early morning hours of March 24, 2011 surrounded by her family. She led a full and active life until just the last few months when the complications of long term diabetes and congestive heart failure took their toll on her health.

Born in London on October 26, 1919 to a British doctor and a Colorado rancher’s daughter, she spent her childhood in Philadelphia where her father was a professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She attended Swarthmore College for her undergraduate degree in English Literature and Bryn Mawr College for her graduate studies in Social Work. During World War II she worked assisting refugees of the Nazi regime in New York City, and with soldiers at the USO in Tacoma, WA.

Hazel is preceded in death by her loving husband, Wingate Froscher. Following their marriage in 1948, they lived in Philadelphia and New Jersey where she worked as a marriage counselor and later public school social worker, and he worked at the NY Times and wrote fiction. She is survived by her children Ken Froscher and Valerie Froscher Lewis, both of Santa Barbara, and her two grand children Rose and Francesca Lewis.

All who encountered Hazel in her later years were impressed by her energy, sharp mind, and interest in the world. She greatly enjoyed contra dancing, classical music, yoga, and art, spending many happy hours painting and sketching. Those of us in possession of one of her dog portraits feel lucky indeed. A private service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Santa Barbara whose service to the community is so selfless and caring.