Hazel Kathryn Schingen

She passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026 at the age of 97.

Hazel was a force of nature. She had strong opinions, high standards and a kind heart. Beneath her practical, no-nonsense exterior was a deeply loving woman, a loyal friend, and a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was independent, determined, and disciplined.

Hazel was born on October 11, 1928, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the fifth of seven children. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Schingen; her sisters, Adeline Mullen and Barbara Lee; her brothers, Gilmore Jones, Clyde Jones, Maurice Jones, and James Jones; and her parents, Martha and Harry Jones.

Hazel was a lifelong learner. She was fascinated by historic facts and figures, and information of every kind. She wanted to learn things, and then she wanted to discuss all the topics.

She famously kept a placemat featuring the presidents of the United States at her table so she could study them whenever she sat down to eat. It was so typical Hazel to take every opportunity to learn and study new things.

She was also an avid bridge player, drawn to both the challenge of the game and the friendships that came with it. She loved being engaged and involved, and she carried that curiosity throughout her life.

During her lifetime, Hazel and her family moved around the country as her husband, Bill, built his career with General Foods. Along the way, Hazel worked in a variety of occupations, including as a school receptionist in Chicago, in banking in Ohio, and for Schering Pharmaceutical Company in Atlanta.

Her favorite job, however, was at the Merchandise Mart in Atlanta. A natural salesperson with tremendous energy and personality, Hazel won virtually every sales award there was to win. She was always impeccably dressed and took great pride in looking her best. She could never quite understand the younger employees who wanted to wear stretchy pants and flat shoes. Hazel believed you should look your very best every day—and she certainly did.

Hazel also believed in giving back to the community she loved. She devoted countless hours to the Dunwoody Woman’s Club, where she held numerous offices and volunteered at the Fourth of July parade, Lemonade Days, Dunwoody Home Tours, and countless other community events.

Dunwoody was Hazel’s favorite place in the world, and she was proud to call it home. She loved spending time on her screened porch, surrounded by her beautiful flowers and the birds she so enjoyed watching. She especially loved the Dunwoody Farmhouse and all that it represented to her. An active member of St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, Hazel cherished the friendships she made there and the strong sense of community that was such an important part of her life.

Hazel’s greatest pride was her family.

She delighted in creating traditions with her grandchildren and filling their childhoods with memories they would carry forever. She made popcorn balls, served graham crackers with milk, told bedtime stories and found endless joy in the simple pleasures of being together.

Her Christmas celebrations were of epic proportions with presents galore and meals that lasted for hours. Hazel never missed an opportunity to take the grandchildren for a hotel staycation where the indoor swimming pools were the main attraction. These hotel stays became some of their happiest childhood memories. Hazel treasured her special birthday shopping trips with Katie and Emily, making each one a cherished occasion. She especially loved watching her grandson Andy play football and was one of his biggest and most enthusiastic fans.

Hazel and Bill shared a remarkable 63 year marriage. Bill loved her deeply and never stopped telling her how beautiful she was or how much he loved her. Their enduring love and partnership were at the heart of Hazel’s life, and the bond they shared remained one of her greatest joys and most treasured gifts.

Hazel leaves behind her daughter, Jane Schingen Head, and son-in-law, Jack Head; her grandchildren, Katie and John Stewart, Emily and Britt David, and Andy and Addie Head; and her eleven great-grandchildren, Emmy, Callie, Anna Kathryn, and Hollyn Stewart; Jackson, Rhodes, Lucy, and Dailey David; and Haines, Laney, and Brooks Head.

For all the things Hazel accomplished and all the lives she touched, perhaps her greatest legacy is the example she set.

She showed her family how to live with purpose. How to be independent. How to stay curious and to show up for the people and community you love.

Her family is grateful for every moment they shared with her and the lessons, the laughter, and all the traditions she created along the way.

Hazel will be deeply missed and forever loved. She will be remembered always as a remarkable woman whose strength, spirit, faith, and love left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She was truly one of a kind, and the world, and especially her family, was better because she was in it.

A private family celebration of Hazel’s life is planned.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dunwoody Woman’s Club, an organization close to Hazel’s heart and reflective of her commitment to service.