Donate in memory of Heather Schmidt

Heather Linae Schmidt of Madison, WI, passed away suddenly on Tuesday March 12, 2024 after a long battle with kidney disease and addiction. She was 43.

“You cannot define a person on just one thing.” - Aretha Franklin

Heather had a tender heart toward others, especially those who didn’t fit into traditional society and those who lived on the fringes. She’d befriend and accept them, love them unconditionally, and ensure they knew they were valued and loved. Heather leaves behind her longtime partner Jason Quaschnik, and their son, Corey Alexander, who at just 19 is working with other family members to make after-life plans. Corey plans to care for the family’s pair of cats, and is actively looking for housing for himself while he and the cats stay with Heather’s mom, Cheri.

Heather didn’t have much in place for funeral plans or the funds to do so, and the family is still working to sort out whether she had any sort of life insurance through her employer (they are doubtful). While Heather’s immediate family are able to manage some of the costs, financial help is needed to help sort out all of the logistical things that come after someone passes away. The family is planning memorial services, bereavement leave only covers so many days out of work, and Corey needs to find and get settled in an apartment without much in the way of savings. Additionally, the cats have vet and food expenses, and may need to be fostered for a short time while Corey finds housing (note: we are working to find foster services for the cats (a bonded pair), but would consider help from friends / a personal reference).

Financial help from friends, extended family, and the community at large would be immensely appreciated. Any support beyond what is needed will be donated to 5 Door Recovery, a residential treatment program for adults living with substance use disorder. A celebration of life event is in the works, and we'll share more details once date and venue are confirmed.

Some notes from Heather’s family and friends:

Hayley Perry: “My cousin Heather was always someone I looked up to as a child. She was beautiful, had an amazing singing voice, and the coolest Barbie collection one could ever see. Heather was naturally gifted in making others feel beautiful, and would always do my hair and makeup anytime we got together. Heather’s son, Corey, was the one true light of her life, and as she once told me ‘easily the best thing about her.’”

Andrew Schmidt: “My sister had boundless potential and taught me at a young age that being different was not only okay, but to be celebrated. Heather had a profound love for music, animals, and those who might be considered outcasts. Despite her ability to build others up, she struggled a lot of her life with depression and addiction, and deserved better. She’ll be deeply missed by those who loved her."