Hazel Annie (Tyler) Cross 1923-2022 Freedom--Freedom's oldest citizen, Hazel A. (Tyler) Cross died Monday, August 15, 2022, at the age of ninety-nine. She was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1923, one of six daughters to Lewis and Flora (Townsend) Tyler in Hermon, Maine. She attended Freedom schools and in 1942 graduated from Freedom Academy where she composed the Class Ode. There she met her husband of sixty-nine years, Stephen Myrick Cross and they were married June 11, 1942, when she moved from the Tyler home just down the street into Springvale, his family's dairy farm across from the Academy. As a farm family homemaker, Hazel worked hard to support the local dairy business and her husband's extended family. Their surviving son Myrick Tyler Cross, an Episcopal priest, who lives on the family farm in Freedom, was born in 1943 and surviving daughter Ruth E. Tyler-Cross, a Biochemist and U.S. Patent Agent who lives in Reston, Virginia, was born in 1951. Hazel expressed great pride in her children's accomplishments. In addition to her faithful work as a farmer's wife, Hazel was very involved in the community. For many years she served as Town Clerk and was an active member of Freedom Congregational Church where she sang in the choir and in a quartet. She was awarded a 75 Yr. longest membership recognition in Dirigo Grange #98. Hazel was employed as a clerk in the U.S. Postal Service and was appointed Postmistress of Thorndike and then Freedom, Maine Post Offices. She cherished her grandchildren - Stephen Eloihim of Reston, Virginia, Carrie Cross of Portland, Maine, (David Choi), and Katherine Cross ("Little Lady") of Freedom, Maine. She delighted in the lives and activities of great grandchildren, Tristan, and Acadia Choi of Portland. To the family's amusement, they both picked up her favorite swear word, "Sugar tit!" Hazel's parents, husband and five sisters – Myrtle MacDonald, Marjorie Wales, Rita Reynolds, Velma Bradeen, and Louise Lanphier predeceased her. During her last days she was trying to communicate with them. She was an avid reader and loved to play "Hand-in-Foot," card games, especially with surviving niece and partner, Faylene (MacDonald) Reynolds of Unity. Hazel had a deep faith in God which was the basis of her kindness, faithfulness, generosity and love for her cats, family, and neighbors. For the past year and a half, she was blessed by the caring staff at Halldale Manor in Farmingdale where her competitive spirit in their activities and games earned her the nickname "Hazel the Hustler." Her long life was rich and a gift to the family and community. Everyone is invited to pay their respects at visiting hours at Springvale Farm, 52 Pleasant Street in Freedom on Friday afternoon August 19th, from four to six pm. A Funeral service will be held at Freedom Congregational Church on Saturday August 20th at 4pm with The Rev. John Balicki and Pastor Paul Flynn officiating. A reception and traditional Saturday night Bean Supper for everyone will be served back at the farm. Private Burial will be in the family grave site at Pleasant Hill Cemetery at a later date. Those who wish are encouraged to make a contribution to Freedom Community Historical Society toward the restoration of Keen Hall, the former Freedom Academy (Hazel's alma mater) Principal's House: FCHS, P.O. Box 52, Freedom, Maine 04941. Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting www.lawrybrothers.com. Click this link to view additional details about Hazel's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/hazel-cross