Lubec, Maine - Hazel Faye (Barnett) Cassidy of Lubec, Maine, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, at the age of 89. Born in Beaumont, Texas, on January 11, 1937, to James and Sylvia (Cuniff) Barnett, Hazel lived a life defined by her deep love for family and her gift for creating beauty in the world around her.

An exceptionally gifted gardener, Hazel found joy in the soil, cultivating vibrant vegetable plots and a celebrated assortment of roses. Her gardens were a point of pride and a source of beauty for all who visited. That same nurturing spirit extended to her kitchen, where she expressed her love through meals prepared for her large, bustling family.

Hazel's professional life was a testament to her lifelong commitment to caring for others. After years of working at Unobskey's store and as a housekeeper for local families, she dedicated herself to education and healthcare. She served as a certified nursing assistant, a speech therapy aide, and a special education technician in the Lubec school system. At age 52, demonstrating her characteristic determination, Hazel earned her licensed practical nurse (LPN) certification and spent several years serving her community at the Lubec medical center.

Beyond her work and her gardens, Hazel was a spirited writer. She possessed a loquacious and charming wit, leaving behind a legacy of poems written for family, friends, and herself. Whether through her verses or her conversation, she had a unique ability to make every interaction memorable.

Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Gib Cassidy; her first husband, Lyman Dennison; her parents; her daughter, Sherrill (Dennison) Haddock; her sisters, Hilda Rae Barnett, Mary Blanchard, Rebecca Keenon, and Donna LaRive; her great-granddaughter, Treana Kellish; and her great-grandson, Taegre Denbow. She leaves behind a vast and loving family: her siblings, Brenda May and Calvert Barnett; and her children, Nancy Sarchfield (Allan), Marilyn Hughes, Marlene Gilpatrick, Kathy Saletta, Ralph Dennison (Carol), and Tommy Cassidy (Stephanie). She is survived by thirteen grandchildren: Brandi, Heidi, Holly, Bobby, Marty, Jody, Traci, Tim, Shannon, Diana, Emma, May, and Ruthie; as well as many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Hazel also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, who were each very special to her.

A celebration of life will be held in Lubec later this year, on a date to be determined, to allow her many family members and friends to gather safely. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Hazel's name to a charity of your choosing that honors her memory and spirit of service. Condolences and memories may be shared at mcclurefamilyfuneral.com.