Suzanne Schmidt

SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT

Cedar Rapids

Suzanne M. Schmidt, 90, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha surrounded by family and friends. Suzanne was born June 7, 1926, the daughter of Merton and Susan (Fritz) Jenkins, in Rockford, Ill. Soon afterward they moved to Cedar Rapids, where she grew up and graduated from McKinley High School. Suzanne wedded George W. Schmidt on Feb. 3, 1945, remaining happily married until George's passing 2008.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George; and her daughter, Janine Davis, of Baltimore, Md.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan; her son, Steven, both of Cedar Rapids; and her daughter, Kathleen (Thomas) Phelan, of Anamosa. Also surviving are her six grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Suzanne was a homemaker, loving mother and an adoring grandmother. Much of her latter life was spent cherishing her grandkids. Suzanne had an abiding faith in Jesus Christ and was a loyal member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church for over 60 years. In fact, the longest sustaining member, according to the pastor at this time.

Suzanne was an accomplished artist, specializing in watercolors, and displaying her work at many shows and venues throughout Iowa. In addition to being a member of Creative Artists and the Iowa Watercolor Society, she enjoyed sharing time with her PEO (Chapter II, CR) sisters and other social/charity groups. Outside of family, she was probably happiest while painting.

Mom and Dad enjoyed traveling abroad, their bridge clubs and their golf "clubs." Besides birding and flowers, she demonstrated her love of animals/nature in her nurturing of various traditional pets throughout her lifetime, but also in her support of her son, Steve's many non-traditional pets back in the day. Her own reversal in affection brought about by the feline charm of "Bunny," our kitty, may have even surprised her.

Suzanne had a distinct "sweet tooth" often satisfied by a good piece of chocolate or a bowl of ice cream.

The family wishes to particularly thank the Hospice of Mercy folks for their care and assistance in her last days.

Suzanne lived a wonderful life and will be deeply missed by family and many close friends, many whom have been so very helpful in recent years.

Services will take place at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, 610 31st St. SE, on Thursday, March 2. A visitation will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. followed by funeral services at 11:30 a.m.

Memorials in Suzanne's honor may be directed to St. Stephen's Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.