Photo courtesy of Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home - Cincinnati
Apr 19, 1953 - Jan 12, 2026
My sympathies to you all. I know she will be missed by her loving family. Love and prayers
Cheryl Todorov
January 16, 2026 | Cincinnati, OH | Friend
We are so sad for the loss of Van! She lived an amazing life, despite challenges! We know how deeply she was loved and how much she loved back!!!!
Although we didn't see Van often, when we did, she made us smile and laugh!!!! She knew what she wanted and communicated well!
I had the pleasure of traveling with Van, and her beloved Bill and Cheri to Michigan, a few years ago. She was so happy to stop at McDonald's on the way, and was quite insistent about her ice cream. She...
Joy Gervers
January 16, 2026 | Cincinnati, OH | Friend
SCHMIDT
Vanessa Kay Schmidt, age 72, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 12, 2026. Born April 19, 1953, in Cincinnati, Ohio, she was the beloved daughter of the late Martin F. Schmidt and Ramona (Burg) Schmidt.
Vanessa was the loving sister of Cheri Maurer and brother-in-law Bill Maurer. She was preceded in death by siblings Mike Schmidt (Brenda), Patricia Gecks (Ronald), and Jerry Schmidt. She was cherished by her nieces and nephews: David Maurer (Linda), Susan Gervers (Jim), Jeff Maurer (Natalie Brown), Adam Maurer (Katie), Ann Schmidt, Tina Eckstein (Nick), Rhonda Tunny (Gary), and the late Jerry Gecks. Vanessa also leaves behind many great-nieces and nephews who adored her: Tyler Maurer, Brenden, Brianna, and Brooke Gervers, Stefanie Crawford (Terry Pottorff), Sara Berger (Michael), Josh Tunny (Desi), and Molly Struewing (Warren).
Vanessa had a remarkable sense of humor and treasured time with family and friends. If she met you once, she remembered you forever. Her heart was won over by coffee, pizza, and ice cream. She looked forward to her hair appointments with her friend, Ruth, and she loved jewelry. As a result of her lifelong love of music, Vanessa was rarely seen without her headphones.
Despite vision and hearing challenges, Vanessa embraced life fully. In her younger years, she delighted in hiding in cornfields, caring for her pet pig, swimming, and playing on the swing set. She joined in every family activity and, in recent years, enjoyed keeping busy at home and attending soccer games.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Church, 3565 Hubble Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45247. All are welcome to attend as we honor Vanessa’s life and legacy.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Hospice of Cincinnati.
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