Obituary of Betty Ann Schmidt

To say her name is to remember her dancing with complete abandon and joy, the center of attention of the dance floor. There is a classy wildness about her that is irresistible. Not wanting to leave anyone out she makes room at her table to add a few more. Even at age 85, she attracts young people and strangers alike, turning them into new friends, drinking buddies or partners in a regular game of tennis or squash. At the Philadelphia Cricket Club, she is "Mrs. Schmidt". To say her name is to remember her at home in Wyncote, down the street from her beloved church, working in her garden, her hands happy in the dirt. She stops to look up at the sky, moved by the sheer beauty of the day. Suddenly aware of the time, she dresses for her job as a companion to someone's aging spouse or parent or a beloved dog or cat, who she cares for as tenderly and lovingly as she would her own. To say her name is to know her every breath was filled with generosity, acceptance and compassion, and her deep felt love for her children, grandchildren and friends. To say her name is to see her now in heaven, reunited with her beloved sister, Shirley and her parents. She is beautiful and young and free! They are together, grateful for the grace of God's love. Whenever you see the beautiful moon, know the glow of her love is shining down on you. She is survived by her husband, Lawrence S. Schmidt, her son R. Warren Schmidt, daughter-in-law Teresa Schmidt, her daughter Stephanie L. Schmidt., her gandsons Garrett Harry Schmidt and Aidan James Schmidt, and her nieces and nephews Barbara Bouse-Belinski, Beverly Yohe and Garner Bouse. She would wish they'd all had more time together. A memorial service will be held at a later time when her life can truly be celebrated and all those wishing to attend will be able to do so. Memorial contributions may be sent to Montgomery County S.P.C.A., 19 E. Ridge Pike, P.O. Box 222 Conshohocken, PA 19425-0222 or to Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave., Phila., PA 19118 (www.woodmereartmuseum.org/donate)