Bridgton — Hazel Janet Manchester Durfee, 91, of Bridgton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at the Bridgton Health Care Center with family and friends at her side.

She was born in East Fryeburg on July 23, 1920, the daughter of John and Nellie Parker Manchester. She attended schools in East Fryeburg and Fryeburg Academy. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband Aldana R. Durfee; son Dana Marvin Durfee; sister Shirley Malone; and a brother Norris Manchester.

After living locally through the late 1950s her family resided in Rockland Co. N.Y. until returning to the area in the late 1970s. Hazel served in the past as secretary for the ladies guild of the First Congregational Church, and also donated her time at the Bridgton Hospital’s Thrift Store and their coffee shop, earning special recognition for 100 hours of service. She was a member of the New York State Covered Bridge Society. She loved playing the game of Yahtzee and was an avid baseball fan, enjoying both the Red Sox and Yankees. Her endearment to Eli Manning brought a big smile when the Giants won this year’s Super Bowl. Hazel will best be remembered for her beautiful smile, along with her genuine warm and caring love for life that touched all along her path. She will leave an immense void in the lives of her loved ones.

Hazel is survived by her nine children: Roberta and husband Tod Yates of Dayton, Ohio, Sandra Huntress of Bridgton, Rodney Durfee of Lantana, Fla., Donna Fitch of Bridgton, Linda and husband Larry Schott of Pine Bush, N.Y., David Durfee and wife Joann of Highland Falls, N.Y., Clifford Durfee and wife Carol of Congers, N.Y., Danny Durfee and wife Jessica of Middletown, N.Y., Jody and husband Lee Cooper of Wheeling, Ill.; a brother, Clifford Manchester of Ithaca, N.Y.; a sister, Reta Lander of Bridgton; 28 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; and 21 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held in the spring at Forest Hills Cemetery in Bridgton, date and time to be announced. Arrangements are under the direction of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 8 Elm St., Bridgton. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to Beacon Hospice, 529 Main Street, Suite 101, Charlestown, MA 02129. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com