Hazel Schneider celebrated 100 years on May 9, 2004. Born in Astoria, Queens, she studied piano at Juilliard. A concert pianist, she gave piano lessons for many years before moving to Islip and Bay Shore. She and her husband enjoyed traveling in the United States and abroad. They were avid camera enthusiasts and took many pictures, some of which she used as subjects for her oil paintings.

She celebrated her birthday with the family and friends at Southward Ho Country club. Schneider attributes her life to being happy and having good genes.