Honor Hazel Banning: Donate in Her Memory

It is with great sadness that we share with you the news of the passing of Hazel Floreanna Banning into her eternal life on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Hazel was born on May 10, 2001, and named after her two great-grandmothers, Agnes Hazel Lunt and Floreanna Bousquet. Hazel was born in Norwich, CT to Jessica Lunt and the late Russell Banning.

Hazel loved reading and was an honor roll student, graduating from Wildwood Christian School in 2015, Norwich Free Academy in 2019 with 19 college credits to bring to Three Rivers Community College, which she graduated from in 2024. Hazel had intended on furthering her education more to become a social worker.

As a child, Hazel loved the library, beach, and American Girl Dolls.

Hazel is survived by her mother, Jessica Lunt, and stepdad, Odir Pontes, as well as her siblings Adrianna (Kevin), Aleesa (Nasiah), Shayla, Anthony, and Malachi. Hazel loved fulfilling her family duties as “Auntie Hazel” to her nephews Josiah, Yadiel, Caleb, and Roman Justiniano, and Nasiah Figueroa Jr. Hazel also leaves behind her partner, Breydan Barboza. Hazel was predeceased by her grandfather, David Lunt Sr., and father, Russell Banning.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday, April 9th from 3-6 PM at Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children’s Department of the Otis Library, 261 Main St., Norwich, CT 06360, or the Norwich Youth Soccer League, 12 Mahan Drive, Norwich, CT 06360. Please visit www.churchandallen.com to leave an online condolence for Hazel’s family.