Hazel G. Hilton

Hazel G. Hilton, 98, of Acton, formerly of Sanford, passed peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at York Hospital in York, Maine.

Hazel was born on November 22, 1927, on her parents’ farm in South Sanford, the daughter of Edward and Ida (Orser) Gavel. She grew up in Sanford and attended local schools, graduating from Sanford High School. Following high school, she continued her education at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts, a reflection of her lifelong love of learning and faith.

In 1957, Hazel married Ray Hilton. Together they raised two children and shared 27 years of devoted marriage until Ray’s passing in 1985. Hazel was a deeply devoted mother, actively involved in every aspect of her children’s lives. She served faithfully through the PTA and gave countless hours as both a Girl Scout and Brownie Scout leader, quietly shaping young lives with patience and care.

A woman of strong and abiding faith, Hazel was a longtime member of Curtis Lake Christian Church, where she served as head of the Women’s Ministries. In her later years, she attended Trinity Anglican Church in Rochester, where she continued to find fellowship and spiritual nourishment.

Hazel dedicated much of her professional life to education. She was a longtime substitute teacher in the Sanford Public Schools and also taught for several years at Prince of Peace School in Sanford. Beyond the classroom, she was a gifted writer and published author, penning poetry, children’s stories, and magazine articles that reflected her gentle wisdom and keen observation of the world.

Her interests were wonderfully varied. Hazel had a deep appreciation for nature and was remarkably knowledgeable about wildlife, finding joy in feeding and watching birds and other animals. She enjoyed taxidermy, sewing, quilting, and crafting, and lovingly created many quilts over the years that she gifted to family members—each one a tangible expression of her care and creativity.

Though quiet and soft-spoken, Hazel possessed an adventurous spirit that delighted those who knew her best. She embraced life fully, enjoying ziplining, indoor skydiving, and parasailing. She learned to downhill ski at the age of 76 and, at 93, went ziplining at the Grand Canyon—an enduring testament to her courage, curiosity, and joy for living.

Above all else, Hazel was a loving mother and grandmother whose family meant everything to her. She will be remembered for her faith, kindness, creativity, and the gentle strength with which she lived her life.

Hazel was predeceased by her parents; her grandson, Nicholas Clifton; her son-in-law, Fr. John Clifton; and her siblings, Vaughn Gavel, Wayne Gavel, Galen Gavel, and Alta Gavel.

She is survived by her two children, Robin Clifton of Acton and Bradley Hilton and his wife Martha of Newington, New Hampshire; nine grandchildren, Jeanne, Giulliano, Alex, David, Katie, Serah, Abbie, Ashley, and Justin; seven great-grandchildren, Richard, Peyton, Mateo, Ava, Otto, Carmen, and Kiara; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 7th at Trinity Anglican Church, located at 180 Rochester Hill Road, Rochester, New Hampshire. Interment will take place in the spring at Evergreen Cemetery in Alfred.

Hazel’s life was one of quiet faith, deep love, and remarkable adventure—and she will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know her.