Memorial Service for Hazel Josephine Key Schoonmaker
January 9, 1923-November 11, 2009
Hazel Josephine Key was born on January 9, 1923 to Joseph Avery Key and Elra Geneva Poindexter Key. The oldest of four children, her family raised tobacco and chickens in Surry County. Hazel loved learning and graduated as valedictorian of her high school. She borrowed money to attend Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. Upon graduation, she taught school for one year. Then she was recruited to attend Hartford Seminary where she earned her Master’s Degree in Divinity. Hazel was hired as director of Christian Education for the Ohio State Conference. Through this work, she met and married a young minister, Theodore Carpenter Schoonmaker. They raised two daughters, Sara Jean and Susan Lynn, and served churches in Dublin, OH; Weymouth, MA and Avon, CT. Hazel wrote innovative Christian Education Curriculum, creating a book called “Blast Off” that encouraged young people to celebrate themselves, their world and God. She also obtained a second Master’s Degree from Hartford Seminary in Education. In 1985, Ted and Hazel retired to Asheville, NC so they could be closer to their relatives. They travelled to Russia, China, Brazil, and Europe. They also made trips to California and New York State to be with their granddaughter Avery and grandson, Nicholas. In Asheville, Hazel worked as a guardian ad litem. She was a docent at the Art Museum and was active in the United Church of Christ. She and Ted lived a wonderful and fulfilling life, celebrating their 50th anniversary just before Ted passed away in 2003. Hazel remained in North Carolina for several years, then moved to live closer to her daughter Sara’s family in Redlands, California. Hazel was a scholar, a teacher and a writer. She loved having deep conversations about a wide range of topics. She was a gracious hostess, preparing delicious food for family and friends. Many people turned to Hazel in times of need. She listened well, sharing the wisdom of her life experiences and education, and the strength of her deep faith. Her words always brought comfort and clarity to those around her. Hazel is survived by her sister, Katie Lee Jordan, her daughters, her son-in-law, Keith Osajima and her grandchildren. Those who preceded her in death are her parents, her brothers Joseph Ambrose and Donald Richard and her husband. There will be a memorial service celebrating her life at the Siloam Baptist Church on Saturday, August 21rst at 2 pm. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. Cox-Needham Funeral Home is assisting the Schoonmaker (www.coxneedham.com) family