Jeanne M. Schmitt

Jeanne M. Schmitt, age 95, passed away peacefully at home on October 27, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Erie on April 29, 1928, daughter of the late Carl and Gertrude Anderson.

Jeanne graduated from Academy High School, class of 1946, where she met her sweetheart and future husband Oscar Schmitt. Jeanne and Oscar were married in St. Patrick Church and had a wonderful marriage for almost 70 years. They were true life partners.

She attended both Carnegie Mellon University and Penn State University, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education. Jeanne subsequently taught in Pittsburgh and Erie. She was a founding member of St. Luke Church and was most recently a member of St. Julia Church. Jeanne was a lifetime member of the Erie Maennerchor Club, the site of many family gatherings.

Jeanne was a loving Mom her entire life, a constant source of encouragement. Mom found her purpose in family, education and those in need. Our home was always open to embrace friends and new acquaintances. We'll miss the casseroles, breads and cookies that always seemed to be on hand to be sent home with anyone visiting. Thanksgiving, a beloved holiday will not be the same. There will be one less apple pie (her specialty) on our family table.

Jeanne was very proud of her Swedish and Irish ancestry. She often spoke of how her roots influenced her values. Her father Carl was a Veteran of the WW1 European theatre and her mother Gertrude was a descendent of Johanna Casey who, at age one, was part of the Irish immigration from Cork to Canada in 1825.

In addition to her parents and husband, Jeanne was preceded in death by her brother, William Anderson.

Jeanne is survived by three sons: Michael (Mary Ellen); Christopher (Kealani), their children Leila and Skyler; Patrick (Sandi) and their sons, Bach and Rhone; step grandson Luca Winters (Rheanna), their children Stella, Luca and Otto. Jeanne’s grandchildren, to whom she was "Nana," were all very special to her!

Many thanks to our family: Joe, Karen and Joey Meyn; Kay DiGello; Yuriy and Jessica Perederiy; Frank and Kay Karle and family; and many others. Special thanks to Maria her hair stylist and dear friend who kept her at the top of her game! Each of you were an important part of Jeanne's life.

We would like to recognize Jeanne's "personal" medical team including Drs. Warren Beaver, Sidney Lipman, Michael Scutella, Nick Stefanovski, Christine Agnello, Joseph Rowane, Gary Brotherson and David Dieteman. Warren, Mike and Nick were always available and kept Mom running strong. Special thanks also to St. Vincent Rehab (Douglas Grieser), Interim HealthCare (Jason and Dana) and UPMC Family Hospice (caregivers Tom, Katie, Melanie, Ireasha, James and Kathleen). We could not have provided Jeanne the quality care without you.

We honor Jeanne by sharing one of her favorite quotes: "Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly."

Arrangements are under the care of Burton Scott Quinn, West Ridge, 3801 W. 26th St., Erie, PA 16506. A celebration of Jeanne’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Health Net (CHN), 1202 State St., Erie, PA 16501. CHN helps provide excellent healthcare at multiple locations to all area residents regardless of a patient's ability to pay. Donations may also be made to UPMC Family Hospice, 1700 Peach St., #244, Erie, PA 16501 or to the City Mission, P.O. Box 407, Erie, PA 16512.