On April 18, 2015 Susan Ann Schmidt, wife of Rev. Larry W. Schmidt, joined the mystical body of angels and archangels and all the company of heaven.

She was born in Hutchison, Kansas, the oldest of 2 children; was confirmed by Pastor Harlan Hartner, Trinity Lutheran, Kansas City, KS; graduated from St. John's College in Winfield, Kansas (where she met Larry and life long friends); worked as a church secretary in Dallas, TX; taught kindergarten and was married at Mt. Calvary Lutheran in St. Louis, MO; and served with quiet dignity as a pastor's wife in Charlotte (Ascension), NC, Portsmouth (Redeemer), VA, and Silver Spring (Calvary), MD.

She brought forth 4 lovely children, Peter (Vicki), Laura(Kenny), Andrew, and Sarah and fondly is remembered by 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She enjoyed working at the Geophysical Laboratory of the Carnegie Institute of Washington, DC. She and Larry were married 55 years. They recently moved to Severna Park, MD because of her failing health. Sue lived with wonder among us for 79 years, 10 months, and 6 days. Eager to please she was a quiet, gentle presence to family and friends. She easily became a confidant to others, giving easy space where honest acceptance could thrive. Every family birthday produced a card and supportive note. She loved her kitchen, food preparation, entertaining and delighted in tasting everything she made. She fit right in at every church function, including the cleanup, and enjoyed Bible study with many variations of "the girls." For years she was part of the Cherished Chatters, a group of friends that went back to college days. When her mother became more needful she welcomed her into her home (and for a time her mother-in-law as well – that was a hoot) and made it possible for her mom to die peacefully at home. Giving voice to her dramatic instincts she volunteered to read to residents at a local nursing home. Earlier in life she played the role of Catherine Marshall in the Portsmouth Little Theater production of "A Man Called Peter." She won the talent award for a dramatic reading presented as a finalist in the '55 Miss Kansas Beauty Pageant. She died at home of complications from Parkinson's Disease and ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), surrounded by family and friends offering up music, prayers and hymns. Her final kind gesture was to donate her brain and spine to NIH for research. She never lost her charming sense of humor, and her graceful, creative way with words. Her final note to clergy wives:

Dear sisters in Christ. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. I know they have helped. I have felt the love and concern in your cards and phone calls and am humbled by all the attention and love. My dear Larry is still my knight in shining armor. but now it's an apron he wears. He's become a good cook for himself, with a little help from me. I'm so lucky to have married such a patient, loving man. His Mama taught him right. I'll thank her again when I get to heaven. I have no idea what day that will be, but I'm ready. I'm with Hospice as of a week ago and have found it to be a dependable organization with very caring, considerate people working for them. Our son is flying in from Hawaii on Thursday night and then that will be a relief for me to see him, hear his hearty laugh and give him a big hug. I have been truly blessed. I'm giving my body to science since I have Parkinsons and ALS which doesn't happen that often. The weaker I get I trust that my Savior will lift me up and lead me on to be with Him and His Father in heaven. It's wonderful to know that he's in charge and will not abandon me in my weak moments. God give you all a strong faith and when you falter, be assured He loves you and understands. Enjoy your day and tell someone you love them - probably not the postman or the garbage man, but you get my drift. Peace and joy. Sue Schmidt

It's safe to say she leaves a boatload of friends and a family that adores her.

" Awake, dear Sue, and greet the new morn
Your friends await your arising.
You've slept the night, the day has arrived
A new world is singing its praises.
You, our delight, our joy, our love,
We've shared your charm and passion.
But now you walk in heaven, not earth,
And we send you forth with our blessing."

A memorial service will take place Saturday, May 9, at 11 am Calvary Lutheran Church, 9545 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910 In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: Ministries in Economic Justice (PO Box 432, Lovettsville, VA 20180, the Parkinson or ALS Foundations, or to a charity of choice.