Hazel M. Aho, 74 passed away on Monday, December 9, 2019 at her home surrounded by love.  She was born in Novar, Ontario Canada, the daughter of the late Matti and Kangas (Manga) Aho.  She was a long-time resident of Salem, NH.

Hazel was a devoted teacher for over 30 years.  She proudly taught physical education for the Haverhill, MA School System in the middle and elementary schools, retiring in 2005.  She was very athletic throughout her life and enjoyed basketball, 100 mile bike rides, softball, volleyball and golf.  Hazel also treasured her time coaching middle school track and basketball for Haverhill.  She enjoyed traveling, especially her trips to Iceland, Alaska, PEI and spending Christmas in Key West with family. She took pleasure in the time she spent at her condo in Lake Worth Florida and her summers in Old Orchard Beach, Maine.  Hazel will be remembered as being very kind, thoughtful and caring.  She loved her Red Sox, animals, hiking, bird watching, the ocean, and was proud of her Finnish heritage.

She is survived by her wife and partner of 39 years; Linda M. Gillis of Salem, by many devoted family members including her cousin; Pirjo Dunphy of Toronto, Canada, her in laws; Peggy Cloutier, Donna and Larry Gaudreau, Nancy and Robert Prohaska, Robert Gillis, Daniel Gillis and Marlo Steinhauser, and several nieces and nephews; and by many wonderful friends and compassionate caregivers. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her step-mother; Elsie Aho.

Following cremation, visiting hours will be held on Sunday, December 29, 2019 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm in the Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem.  A memorial service will follow Sunday at 4:00pm in the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, UT 84741 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.