Hazel Clarke

WESTBROOK — Hazel ‘B’ Clarke of Westbrook passed in peace on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018.

Hazel was born March 28 in Portland, the daughter of Katherine and Joseph Paul Martin. Hazel’s singing ability surfaced as a child. She enjoyed singing in the church choir and at the age of 13 she had been featured frequently on WCSH talent show. Hazel was a proud member of many military and veteran organizations. She was active with the American Legion, VFW and Eastern Star.

No one that met Hazel ‘B’ forgot her infectious passion for music. Hazel spent her life singing and entertaining with many performers. She has written countless songs, signed a contract with Decca Records and performed with the band “The Zodiacs.” Hazel traveled throughout the states and Europe with the USO from 1944 to 1949. When WWII was ending and American soldiers were coming off the front line, they were met with music and celebration. Of the 100 performers, Hazel was one of them.

Hazel married Chanel Pelletier on Nov. 26, 1945. Chanel and Hazel went on to have five children. In 1966, she wrote the song Don’t Cry Mom, which has become a favorite of many. She was very proud that most of her children had performed with her on stage. When her husband became ill, they settled in Casco and adopted their daughter, Cal. Chanel passed in 1978 and Hazel continued her music career. She was remarried in 1994 to Herb Clarke of Scarborough. She relocated to Westbrook, where she spent her weekends performing and entertaining.

Hazel was greatly loved and will be dearly missed. Leaving to cherish her memory are daughter Cal Lorrain of Casco, son Reggie Pelletier of Wesley Chapel, Fla., son Paul of Oxford and Denis of Boone, Colo. She was adored by her grandchildren.

Hazel was predeceased by a daughter Jacki; son Ricky; and husbands Chanel and Herbert Clarke.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018 at 12 p.m. at the American Legion in Westbrook. Hazel’s family would like to carry on Hazel’s favorite saying, “We aren’t here for a long time, just a good time.” Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhome.net