Judith Ann Schmidt

On January 29, 1940, Dr. Charles "Ed" Swartzbaugh and Erma Swartzbaugh welcomed baby Judith Ann to the world at Detroit Osteopathic Hospital in Highland Park, Michigan. Judy grew up in Detroit and switched schools young because the school system gave her a hard time for being left handed. She persevered. Judy worked in her father's doctor office and graduated early from Redford High School. Judy attended Albion College and along with her best friend Barbara Burnham helped form a new chapter of Pi Beta Sorority at Albion. Judy and Barb both transferred to Michigan State University where they were roommates and where Judy received her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development. Judy and Barb also met at MSU and later married roommates Jim Burnham and Carl Schmidt.

Judy married Carl on September 1, 1962. They raised two children in Southfield, Michigan: Dr. Polly J. Schmidt, of Shelby Township, and Jill L. Schmidt, of Sebewaing, MI. Judy worked as owner/operator and teacher at a private nursery school in Dearborn, MI until retiring in 1995.

Judy's father built a cottage on Sand Point in 1940 naming the cottage "Just a Siesta" using Judy's initials in naming the cottage. Judy's happiest childhood memories are from times at "Just a Siesta" with her cousins, David Whitacre and Pat Rhinehart from Ohio and family throughout the years. In 1995, Judy and Carl retired to "Just a Siesta". Judy worked as a legal secretary and office manager for daughter, Jill's law firm in Sebewaing until 2016.

Judy enjoyed planning and traveling with Jill on yearly office retreats.

Judy's hobbies included avid reading, gardening, playing cards, and knitting. She loved her dogs, her cats, yellow roses, Detroit Tiger's, and MSU football. Judy, Carl, Jim and Barb can all be heard along with other MSU students in the film Sparticus shouting "on to Rome" as filmmakers recorded at a State game years ago.

Judy was a board member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Pigeon, MI and a member of Pi Beta Phi Alumni club through 2016.

Judy will be remembered for her kindness and class. She was a friend to all and found the good in all people. After a few minutes with a stranger she would know their life story and have something sincerely nice to say about them.

Cremation has taken place. Arrangements were handeled with care at Juengel & Mellendorf Funeral Home in Sebewaing.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 5, 2016 at 11am at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Pigeon. A lunch will follow at the church and then a wake to follow at her home.

Memorial donations may be given to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.