What is Hazel’s Back Yard?

Hazel’s Back Yard is a place of natural beauty owned by The First Unitarian Society of Ithaca. It was deeded to us by Hazel M. Hauck in 1964, an active member in the Society. The Back Yard is a sacred trust and there are certain policies in place to maintain it as a natural area. Members and friends of The First Unitarian Society of Ithaca can visit this site as a place of quiet contemplation and can have their own cremated remains, and those of loved ones, placed at this spot.

What is the current procedure for having ashes placed in Hazel’s Back Yard?

Members can register with the Church Administrator in the main office. The use of Hazel’s Back Yard, a nameplate on Hazel’s Back Yard Memorial Plaque, and inclusion in the Memorial Book carry a fee of $150. Hazel’s Back Yard is the spiritual reminder of the person and the nameplate on the Memorial Plaque is the visual reminder.

How can you help?

The Committee is always looking for help to decide how to maintain the property and to actually do the work needed. If you would like to volunteer you may call the church office at 607-273-7521 (ext. 21) or email cadmin@uuithaca.org.

Current Hazel’s Back Yard Memorials

Gilbert Levine, 1927 – 2024

Ilma Stein Levine, 1929 – 2024

David Sidney Levine, 1953 – 1973

Elisabeth M. Thorn, 1930 – 2023

James Edward Skaley, 1943 – 2023

Patricia Grace Court, 1955 – 2020

Constance Currier, 1924 – 2019

Barbara Pardee, 1933 – 2018

Mark Pedersen, 1958 – 2018

Linda S Folley, 1959 – 2016

Martha Ladd Allee, 1932 – 2016

William D Pardee, 1929 – 2016

Betty Robinson Postle, 1925 – 2015

Brainard Fancher, 1914 – 2014

John A. Taylor, 1931 – 2011

Natalie Basford Fancher, 1914 – 2009

Marcia Alice Wilber 1918 – 2009

Mary S. Jaffe, 1917 – 2009

Donna Schwaiger Hall, 1950 – 2007

Harriet L. Budke, 1926 – 2007

Catherine A. (Nan) Howard, 1915 – 2005

Claire Conta, 1919 – 2005

Elizabeth M, Wien, 1941 – 2005

David Allee, 1931 – 2003

Terrace D. Pratt, 1910 – 2003

James L. Gulledge, 1932 – 2001

Mary B. Wood, 1914 – 2000

Barbara B. Schwartz, 1919 – 2000

Richard H. Thorn, 1928 – 1999

Madeline O’Connell Lutz, 1912 – 1998

Lois D. King, 1934 – 1998

Warren Wadsworth Currier, 1923 – 1996

Dr. Joseph Nesbitt Frost, 1890 – 1994

Bart Conta, 1914 – 1993

Nita Collier Kendrick, 1898 – 1993

Max Schwartz, 1913 – 1990

Edward Albert Lutz, 1910 – 1987

Lawrence H. MacDaniels, 1888 – 1986

Frances E. MacDaniels, 1891 – 1986

Louise Perrine Frost, 1892 – 1985

Myron Slade Kendrick, 1894 – 1980

Helen H. Hedlund, 1911 – 1993

Glenn W. Hedlund, 1909 – 1976

Hazel M. Hauck, 1900 – 1964

Minnie W. Muenscher, 1894 – 1983

Walter C. Muenscher, 1891 – 1963