Hazel (Morton) Magnusson

Hazel Morton Magnusson, formerly of Gorham, Maine passed away peacefully in her sleep at Woodlawn Care Center in Newport, New Hampshire on Thursday evening, April 9, 2026. She was born Hazel Morton Howe on May 28, 1925 to Ernest and Ina Howe, the youngest of six daughters.

Hazel was a member of the First Baptist Church in Westbrook, Maine where she served for several decades in various capacities including the Christian Education Committee, the Board of Trustees, the Board of Finance, and the Board of Deacons. She was recognized as Deaconess Emeritus by the church on her 90th birthday. Hazel also served for many years as the Secretary/Treasurer of PLEA, the Pro-Life Education Association based in Portland, Maine. 

Hazel worked for many years at Fairchild Semiconductor, at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home, and at Sears, all located in South Portland, Maine. She was known for her faith, her love of her family and of her church, gardening, knitting, crocheting, and playing Scrabble. She was a hard worker who enjoyed serving and taking care of others. She will always be remembered for her quick wit and for her sharp sense of humor. 

She is survived by her son, James Andrew Magnusson and his wife, Lori, of Huntington, West Virginia, as well as her daughter, Carla Irish and her husband, Glenn, of Claremont, New Hampshire. Hazel leaves behind eight grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her parents, her five older sisters, her husband, Carl A. Magnusson, Jr. also of Gorham, Maine, and her son, Timothy E. Magnusson of Baltimore, Maryland.

A Celebration of Life Service is being planned and will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 12 PM at First Baptist Church, 733 Main St., Westbrook, ME.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Hazel (Morton) Magnusson, please visit our floral store.