Hazel Kinzer

Hazel Susan Durham Kinzer died in her home on July 28, 2026, at the age of 87. She was under the care of Denver Hospice and had experienced multiple organ failures. She was born on May 26, 1939, in Pennsylvania. After graduating from Millersville University in 1960 with a degree in education, she married George Kinzer, her spouse of 66 years. They moved to New Jersey, where she briefly taught first grade before helping raise their family of three children.

That family has since grown to include five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was active in the Middlesex Junior Women's Club. When her husband George's work brought them to Colorado in 1972, she founded the Columbine Newcomers Club and supported several church groups. She was active in P.E.O. and the Daughters of the American Revolution and served as a Weight Watchers group leader for many years. An excellent cook, she taught numerous cooking classes and published her own cookbook. A lifelong lover of music, she participated in church choirs for many years.

She was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Columbine for 31 years. Within Kiwanis, she served as President of the Columbine Kiwanis Club and later as Lieutenant Governor for the local Kiwanis Division clubs in her area. She attended numerous Kiwanis District and International Conventions. Hazel accompanied her husband on projects and visits to many Kiwanis Clubs in Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska during his year as Kiwanis District Governor. She was a driving force in establishing and participating in the Kiwanis Club of Columbine Satellite Group. In her neighborhood, she was active in several groups that regularly played Mahjong and Canasta.

Hazel is survived by her husband, George Kinzer, and her children, Kathleen Sorensen and Craig Kinzer. Her son, Jeffrey Kinzer, predeceased her. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Daniel Sorensen, Jennifer Kinzer Bates, John Sorensen, and Dillon Kinzer. Her grandson, Bradley Kinzer, also predeceased her. She is further survived by four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, J. Walter Durham and Ella Knight Durham of Pennsylvania. Her brother, James Durham, and nieces Linda Fairbanks, Cynthia Kinney, and Andrea Wappler survive her and reside in various locations across the country. She also leaves behind many cousins, most of whom live in Pennsylvania and Maryland, some of whom she was able to visit in April 2026.

A Celebration of Life is expected to be held near the end of August at Littleton United Methodist Church in Littleton, Colorado, with the date to be announced later. In lieu of flowers, gifts to the Kiwanis Club of Columbine Foundation would be appreciated, helping continue Hazel's efforts to support the community and children.