Maria L. "Nonnie" (Tortis) Hazzard, 75, died Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010 in the UMass Memorial Medical Center, Memorial Campus, Worcester after an illness.

    She leaves her husband of 57 years, Sidney C. Hazzard, Jr.; a son, Sidney C. Hazzard, III and his wife Theresa of Charlton; two daughters, Dolores "Dedee" LaRochelle and her husband Roland of Southbridge and Cynthia Hazzard Nichols and her husband George of Charlton; three brothers, Galdino Tortis of Virginia Beach, VA, Nicola Tortis of Southbridge, and Antonio Tortis of Stuart, FL; a sister, Candida Paakkonen of Holden; six grandchildren, Mark Lataille, Neenah Nichols, Hayley Hazzard, Amy LaRochelle, Heidi Hazzard and Haevyn Hazzard; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph Tortis and Lidio Tortis. She was born in Introdacqua, Italy, the daughter of the late Luigi and Maria (Leombruno) Tortis.

    Maria worked at the American Optical Co. in Southbridge for many years retiring several years ago. She enjoyed bowling, trips to Foxwood's Casino and the Boston Red Sox. She was a family oriented person, always happy to be around her family. To her extended family she was looked upon as the family matriarch.

    Her funeral will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11th, at 10:00 a.m in the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Friday, Sept. 10th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.