In Loving Memory of Sara B. Schmitz

On May 24th, my grandma, Sara B. Schmitz, also affectionately referred to as "Shrums" passed away.   Diagnosed with Covid-19 on the 20th, Shrums was not showing symptoms.  I like to think that she chose to leave this world the same way she lived - on her own terms.   

My grams took care of people.   Her house was always open and everyone was always welcome.   She loved to cook and would ensure anyone entering her home was fed (whether you were hungry or not).  She had a soft spot for children.  Her generosity for them knew no bounds.  My grams never forgot a birthday, holiday or special event for any of the kids in our family.   One of her happiest memories was volunteering at the Pre-School at St. Pascal’s.  

When my mom died in 1992 my grams took on the burden of caring for a lost, self-destructive teenager.  She loved me even when I thought she shouldn’t.   It is not an exaggeration when I say, I would not have survived or become the person I am today without her. 

Shrums wasn’t perfect.  She was stubborn and had a Sicilian temper.   But I choose to remember her strength, her love for her family, her devout faith, and her fierce independence.   When she was diagnosed with Dementia in 2014, the hardest part was watching the Shrums I knew disappear.

So many people have reached out to ask how they can help during this time.  I’ve set up this GoFundMe page to collect any donations you'd like to give to help us pay for her cremation, burial service, funeral mass and memorial.   All money donated will be going directly to these expenses.   Thank you for any assistance you can provide.