Virginia A. Schmidt passed away at home Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at the age of 81.
Born in Syracuse to Donald F. and Julia J. Campbell on June 24, 1936, Virginia "Gini" grew up in Pennellville, NY and attended school in Phoenix, NY.
On May 21, 1955, she married her high school sweetheart, Vernon R. Schmidt (recently deceased), a marriage lasting beyond "death us do part" –more than 62 years.
Virginia lived most of her adult life on Tindall Road in Cato, NY. She opened her heart and her home to children of all ages. Her own four children, several of their friends and more than 20 foster children called her "Mom". When her grandchildren were born, Gramma's house became the place to be, as she welcomed them and made sure they enjoyed life as she did. She had a lifelong love for horses and a soft spot in her heart for all animals—dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs, fish, chickens, goats, turtles, and even a mouse.
Her passing leaves a hole in the hearts of her sister; Martha L. Dukat (Alexander) of Upper Arlington, OH and her children; Vernon R. Schmidt Jr. (Shauna McDonald) of North Syracuse, NY, Cynthia L Clark (John) of Aiken, SC, Donald A. Schmidt (Sunshine) of Cato, NY, Cathleen A. Lang (Charlie) of Cato, NY, and Arlene S. Cuyler of Auburn, NY
She will be greatly missed by her seven grandchildren; Crystal L Schmidt, Marc R. Lang, Hillary M. Clark-Kulis (Christopher), Sara A. Baker (Michael), Amber J. Lang, Hannah R. Skellington-McKusick (Lee), and Adam V. Schmidt, and her two great-grandchildren; Gavin and Wyatt Baker.
A memorial service in celebration of Virginia's life is being planned for the Spring.
Donations in her honor may be made to Cayuga Centers Auburn,(formerly The Cayuga Home for Children) 101 Hamilton Ave. Auburn, NY 13021 . Keysor-Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, Cato, is in care of the arrangements. www.catoredcreek.com