Hazel Vonceil Lamb, 96, formerly of Attica, NY, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at the NYS Veterans’ Home in Batavia.
Born on December 19, 1927 in O’Donnell, TX, she was the daughter of the late Monroe and Mordie (Manning) Self.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Evan Charles Lamb, siblings Kathleen Farquhar and Billy Ray Self and brother-in-law Thomas Farquhar.
When Vonceil was three, the family made their way back to Central Texas from the Panhandle after the Dust Bowl ruined their cotton crop three years running. Vonceil’s grandfather gifted 125 acres on a small farm and a few head of cattle to get them started. She recalled her childhood as one of hot, dusty work, garbed in bib overalls, long sleeved shirts and split bonnets as she and her sister helped to pick cotton, pull broomcorn and bag oats, among other chores. Looking back, they were also happy, wholesome years spending time with family and neighbors in the rural Izoro community.
Following graduation from Evant High School in 1945, Vonceil left home to attend beauty school in El Paso, TX studying cosmetology. After earning her beautician’s license, she moved to Dallas, TX for work. It was there that she competed in two state hair styling competitions winning first place in 1949. While attending beauty school in El Paso, she met the love of her life, Evan, who was serving in the Army at the time and stationed in Fort Bliss, TX. They were married in Dallas on August 27,1949, honeymooned in Niagara Falls, and made their way to
Western NY where they settled and raised their family.
In 1952, Evan partnered with brother Gerald on the family farm in Darien where babies were welcomed and Vonceil perfected her sewing, baking, gardening and canning skills. The family later moved to Attica in 1963, when Evan was offered a teaching position. Vonceil resumed her hairstyling career, working out of her home salon for 30 years. She was an accomplished seamstress and shared her sewing talents with others, including many dresses/outfits for herself and her daughters. She added quilts, bedspreads, draperies and pillows to the home as well as crocheted afghans. Vonceil was also a gifted gardener and known for her beautiful landscape designs and flower gardens. She was a member of the Attica Garden Club and showcased her extensive gardens on sponsored home and garden tours.
A beloved member of her community, Vonceil was a faithful member of the Attica Trinity United Methodist Church for 55 years where she served in a variety of roles including the Women’s Ministry, Kitchen Ministry and Flower Committee. Vonceil made many homemade pies and fresh yeast rolls for various church social and fundraising events
and arranged beautiful bouquets for the church altar from her personal gardens. Her sewing skills extended to designing and assembling symbolic banners used as the seasons changed and making the first Chrismon's to hang on the church Christmas tree.
Vonceil was also an avid golfer and long time member of the Attica Golf Club. She enjoyed traveling across the US, Europe and South America with Evan and close friends. Although leaving her home in Attica in 2017 was difficult, she enjoyed her six years residing at The Manor House in Batavia and appreciated the activities, friends and devoted care she received there.
Vonceil is lovingly remembered for her inner and outer beauty, elegance and grace, giving heart, delicious southern cooking, extraordinary work ethic, common sense, strong Christian faith and devotion to family, church and community. She was known for her generosity and always looked for ways to help her family, friends and neighbors, preparing countless meals and baked goods for those in time of need. The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation for the professionalism and exemplary care provided to both Vonceil and Evan during their time as residents of the Veterans’ Home in Batavia.
Vonceil is survived by her loving children, Natalie (David) Paradowski of Colden, NY; Merely (Michael) Krol of Churchville, NY; Timothy (Susan) Lamb of West Falls, NY; AFS daughter Anita (Jose Pedro) Deiderich of Trinidad, Bolivia, SA; five grandchildren, Marisa (Daniel) Esler, Ryan (Natalie) Lamb, Grayson (Rebekah) Krol, Ethan Paradowski and Robert Lamb; two great-grandchildren, Hudson Krol and Mira Esler; brother, Evon (Donnis) Self of Lampasas, TX; and many nieces and nephews.
There will be no prior calling hours. All are invited to attend Vonceil and Evan’s Celebration of Life Graveside Ceremony on Saturday, June 15th at 11:00 AM at the Darien Cemetery, 1803 Broadway, Darien, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011 or the Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.
To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.
