Mary Hazlett Grove

Mary Hazlett Grove of Lakeland, FL passed away April 28, 2018. Lakeland- Mary was born in Latrobe, PA February 7, 1933. She moved with her parents, Harry and Annie Brindle, to Fort Lauderdale in 1945. She graduated from West Palm Beach High School and attended Palm Beach Junior College, Florida Southern College, and Florida State University, earning a BS in Nursing. Mary was a pilot in the 1950s, traveled the world in her 20s & 30s, visiting more than 37 countries, living in 5 including Mexico, Turkey, Aruba and The Dominican Republic. She met her husband, Gordon, in Aruba while working as a nurse for Standard Oil. They married in Fort Lauderdale on March 18, 1960. After a few months in NYC they left for a yearlong job in Istanbul, after which they traveled Europe, South America and the islands for 10-months. Mary, Gordon and their two daughters lived in the Dominican Republic until evacuated during the revolution in 1965, finally settling permanently in Lakeland, Fl. Mary taught nursing at Polk Community College, worked as a real estate agent and broker, managed rental property for Grove Enterprises and was a constant activist for causes dear to her heart. Her community activism included the promoting of the Bike Path on Lake Hollingsworth, helping establish Planned Parenthood in Polk County, improving mental health awareness and support through her appointment to the Human Rights Advocacy Council (by Gov. Lawton Chiles), supporting The Hemlock Society/Compassionate Choices, being part of the founding leadership for the UU Fellowship in Lakeland and serving as The Republican Party Chair for the Local GOP. She was also an active member in the DAR, Late Bloomer Garden Club and ACTON Finance Club. Mary was always available for help when asked and never met a stranger. Her Thanksgiving and Christmas tables always included new friends. She was generous with her time and was loved by all who knew her. Mary is survived by her husband of 58 years, Gordon Grove, her daughters Veronica of Deland, FL, Tracy Bradshaw of Atlanta and 2 grandchildren, Andrew and Grace Bradshaw. A Celebration of Life will be held in Mary’s honor at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 S. Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801 on July 13, 2018 from 6:00-8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peace River Center, PO Box 1559, Bartow, FL 33831-1559.