Our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother Hazel M. Gorby, 88, of Wooster passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, with family by her side.
She was born on March 10, 1937, to Emmett and Hattie Mae (Gates) Smith in Nashville, Indiana. Hazel met her husband Arliss J. Gorby while working as a secretary at Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, Indiana and they married on June 22, 1957, He survives her.
They moved to Brecksville Ohio in 1967 where they raised their family and attended the Brecksville United Methodist Church.
Hazel enjoyed the wonderful friends she made as an avid tennis player, as well as gardening, watching birds at their feeders, and helping birth baby alpacas after starting their herd in Wooster, Ohio. Above all else, she most loved her family.
In addition to her husband Arliss, she is survived by her children Jennifer (Eric) Brundage of Claremont, North Carolina, Larisa (Vince) Fiorita of Wooster, Christopher (Kathy) Gorby of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Douglas (Ellen) Gorby of Chelsea, Michigan, Bruce Gorby of Avon Lake; grandchildren (Kathy, Bobby, Ariana,Emma,Vincent, Forrest and Tallulah) and three great grandchildren She has 3 siblings Emmett (Karen) Smith Jr. of Nashville, Indiana, Gary Smith of Daytona Beach, Florida, and Terry (Jane) Smith of Nashville, Indiana.
Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings Martha Johnson, Phyllis Porter, Bettie Johnston, Mary Smith and John Smith.
Many thanks to the wonderful staff of Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare of Wooster who helped her through her Alzheimer’s journey and for her amazing caregivers and staff of Cornerstone Caregiving.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be directed to www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
So sorry to hear this. She was a class lady.
I’m so very sad to learn of your Mom’s passing Larisa & Vince. I truly loved knowing Hazel. She was just a wonderful woman! We shared many a story at my shoppe and had a very fun trip up to her home to be introduced to the Alpaca’s they raised! Prayers for all of your family!
Very sorry for your loss. Your mother was a very sweet and caring woman. She leaves behind many great memories of time spent with her family.
Oh Larissa, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs.
Larisa and family, I am so sad to hear of your mom’s passing. I enjoyed our days on the tennis courts together. And of course the alpaca escapades!
May your memories bring you some peace and love
Sally Huttinger
I always remember her kindness. Our condolences to all of you. Louisa and Phil
Please accept our sincere condolences.
I was so sorry to hear about Hazel. I played tennis with her many years ago. Not only was she a great tennis player but such a very kind, caring friend. My sincere condolences to the entire family.