Hazel was a teacher before she married Vernon. She worked most of her life, helping Vernon run Smith's Shoe Store in Franklin, Indiana. She was a loving, consciencious mother and grandmother who always tried to do her best. Her Quaker upbringing was evident in her strong code of moral behavior. At the time of her death, Hazel was a Deacon of her Presbyterian church in Lehigh Acres, Florida.

She died of lung cancer after having given-up smoking years before. She is missed by her wide circle of family and friends.592