Frances Hazen Hilal

Frances Hazen Hilal, 80, died on March 10, 2019 at Hiland Cottage in Petoskey, Michigan.

A longtime resident of Petoskey, Frances Claire Hazen, was born in Bronx, New York City on December 31, 1938 to Frank and Gertrude (Spannegal). The Hazen family immigrated to America on the Mayflower. Her ancestors served in the American Revolution, with members of the family interred at the National Cemetery, earning Frances the title of a Daughter of the American Revolution.

Frances began her nursing career at Flower Fifth Avenue Nursing School in New York City, where she received her BSN. Frances gained a BA from Spring Arbor College in 1995. Frances was instrumental in developing the first cardiac care center at the Veterans Administration Hospital of Ann Arbor. She worked at the Red Cross Health Department blood bank and was an IV therapist for many years at Northern Michigan Hospital. She helped establish the first hospice program in northern Michigan, where she worked for eighteen years.

Frances is survived by her husband Hashem Hilal; children, Karen Hilal Livingston (Henry), Mark Hilal (Gail Danielson), Leila Hilal and Kristin Hilal (Michael Mullen); five grandchildren, Mike Livingston (Aiko), Eric Livingston, Mariah Livingston, Nolan Mullen and Amira Mullen; and two great grandchildren, Kai and Koby Livingston.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Gertrude Hazen; her sister 1st Lt. Diane Hazen Degnan USAF WAC and brother-in-law Maj. Donald Degnan USAF.

A memorial celebration will be held at the Family of Christ Church, June 22, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. with a dessert reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Little Traverse Bay.

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