Obituary of Elinor J. Hazen

Belchertown - Elinor "Ellie" J. (Tolpa) Hazen, 94,  passed away October 12, 2021 at home surrounded by her loving family.   She was born on January 29, 1927 in Granby, CT to Floyd and Dora (Hughes) DeGray.   Ellie was raised in E. Granby, CT and has lived in Belchertown since 1948.  Ellie and her first husband, Walter "Barney" Tolpa owned and operated Willimansette Waste in Chicopee.   She also retired from the Belchertown State School where she worked in the kitchen and laundry room. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and Past Matron, as well as a member and past President of the VFW Auxiliary in Belchertown.   In her leisure, Ellie enjoyed quilting, stitching, painting and ceramics but most of all spending time with her family.  She will be deeply missed by four children, Lee Tolpa (Diann), Nancy Schoff (Ken), Julie Rehm (Bob) and Bruce Tolpa (Doreen) as well as 10 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild who loved her dearly.  She also leaves her extended family of 2 stepchildren,  Pamela  Pergolatto (Sean Snow) and William Hazen, Jr (Shirley),  3 step grandchildren and 8 step great grandchildren.  Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, Walter "Barney" Tolpa, second husband, William Hazen, a grandson, Joshua Tolpa and her brothers, Chester and Douglas DeGray.   Calling hours will be held on Friday Oct. 15th from 4:00-6:30 p.m. followed by a Service of Remembrance at 6:30 pm in the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home.   Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Meals on Wheels program at the Belchertown Senior Center, 60 State St., Belchertown or Belchertown Animal Relief Committee (BARC) PO Box 161 Belchertown, MA 01007 www.barcfriends.com.