Support for Sophie's Family

We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from Sophie and Anton's friends stretching from their beautiful little block in Baltimore, to their hometowns in New York and Minnesota, and around the world to Uganda and back again through their Peace Corps family. Donations will be used to help support Sophie and Anton's two young children.

A message from Marie Fitzsimmons, Sophie's mom:

"Our beautiful Sophie Marie has passed from this world. She leaves her husband Anton Schneider, two and a half year old son Desmond Schneider, and infant daughter Josie Schneider. Sophie delivered her healthy and gorgeous daughter before terrible post delivery complications occurred. You can imagine what a joyous, gentle and fun mama Sophie was. You can imagine her deep love for Anton and her tender, thoughtful way. You saw for yourselves the incredible love she shared with her brothers Jores and Jared and their devotion to each other's families. You know how Kirk and I loved and admired her and how much she taught us. You know how Sophie grew up with the school and the veterinary hospital as extensions of our home. You know how she loved her youth and how our family, school, and community shaped her life. You know she loved our Clan with all her heart. And you know she always knew she would join the Peace Corps. She fell in love with Anton after graduating from college when they both volunteered in Detroit City Schools with City Year. Imagine finding a man who saw the world as she did and adventuring the world with a focused, quiet, and unwavering devotion to humanity. Imagine their life together in Uganda and then in Baltimore. Oh the beauty. You know how she quietly insisted that every person be seen. That every woman have autonomy over her body. That every person be treated with respect and dignity. That human kindness be our mantra. I will post an article she wrote for Peace Corps. I will read it every day for the rest of my life. Thank you for loving our girl. Thank you for holding us in your hearts."

A link to Sophie's article follows: https://www.peacecorps.gov/connect/blog/what-kindness-can-create/