SCHMIDT, Maureen Emily Schmidt

She was born October 26, 1939 in Fort William.

Mom’s life touched many people, through work, community building and volunteering.

Quickly promoted to manager at any employment, her work ethic and charisma made promotion inevitable.

To very old friends, she was Sue, a nickname acquired as a toddler. When Mom and Dad moved to Pearson in 1975, she “reinvented” herself and became known by her preferred and legal name, Maureen.

Mom made and kept friends for life, through work, extensive volunteer activities, and building community. Mom had a special place in her heart for old friends and their children who keep in touch with “Auntie Sue” and grade school friendships she kept to the very end. A special shout out to TOPS, aquabics and the Mink Mountain/Slate River Crew.

Mom volunteered and contributed to those in her community. In North Neebing, active in the community, friends and neighbours, still close friends despite moving away more than 50 years ago. In Pearson, many more friends, and volunteering, Roads Board and later counsel for the Municipality of Neebing and an active volunteer of Legion Branch 225.

Friends and volunteer activities are literally too many to name. You know who you are.

Maureen was predeceased by husband Herbert, son Arthur, granddaughter Patricia, son-in-law Douglas, father Alexander Gillies, mother Mabel who died when Mom was a toddler, her step-mother Eleanor, brothers,  John, Russ and Campbell, foster siblings Rick and Shirley and sisters-in-law Elena and Helen.

She is survived by four daughters, Toni, Connie (Alan), Katherine, Mary (Brad), grandchildren, Sherry, Tonya, Michael, Christopher, Steven, Alexander, many great grandchildren as well as cherished sisters-in-law, Ann Bell and Charlotte Gillies.

Mom received exceptional care at TBRHSC and St. Joe’s. Heartfelt thanks to the nursing staff of St. Joe’s 5S, Drs. Gleeson, Ibrahim, Abugarab, Faghy, and Kelly.

Mom requested her Celebration of Life be delayed. Friends are welcome to join us at the Kakabeka Legion Branch 225 on June 12 from 1-4. In lieu of flowers, Mom would want donations to Thunder Bay or Rural Food Banks.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue Thunder Bay.