Submitted by: Dan Rich

Donna Mae Schmidt

Aug. 23, 1924 - March 4, 2004

South Bend Tribune 3/7/2004

Donna Mae Schmidt, 79, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away surrounded by her loving husband, children and grandchildren on March 4, 2004. Born on Aug. 23, 1924, in Mishawaka, Ind., to Gerald and Thelma (Sawyer) Castello.

She married Raymond H. Schmidt on May 3, 1947. They enjoyed over 56 years of marriage.

Donna attended Mishawaka High School and was a 1942 graduate of the school. She worked for many years as a supervisor for Indiana Bell. Donna was an active member of St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church in South Bend, Ind. Among her many volunteer activities, she was a volunteer for Birthright. In addition, she was a member of the Medjugorje prayer group. Donna enjoyed summers at her lake cottage in Michigan with her family and friends for over 40 years.

Survivors include her husband, Raymond H. Schmidt of South Bend; her daughters, Marianne (Ken) Keber and Therese (Matthew) Veldman, both of Granger, Ind.; her son, John (Karen) Schmidt of Indianapolis, Ind.; seven grandchildren, Jennifer M. Keber, Andrew J. Keber, Christopher M. Keber, Stephen J. Veldman, Lisa M. Veldman and Bridget M. Veldman, all of Granger, and Ellen M. Schmidt of Indianapolis; her aunt, Martha Airgood of South Bend; her cousin, Patricia Roberts of South Bend; and nine nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 8, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. today, March 7, in the Forest G. Hay Funeral Home, where a Rosary service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made on behalf of Donna M. Schmidt to St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, to the American Cancer Society, or to the Women's Care Center.