Loretta D. Schmidt

Dearest Cousin Rhett I am going to do this in a unique format Poetry Prose, As extraordinary as this life we are celebrating, She, the embodiment of the word Ekphrastic, Which means extremely descriptive in speech or writing. Anyone who had heard a story from Rhett, with it´s many detours, And side bars, And leaps and bounds into other stories, And wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, WAIT! Let me tell you WHY... While Don repeated, in many ways, many times before, "Get to the point, Rhett" There...

Cousin LoRetta never forgot my birthday; sending a lovely card with a hand-written sentiment and sometimes an old photo of us to mark the day. After my Mom passed, she would send a hand-written note of well wishing, encouraging thoughts of remembrance and healing. Her every-positive attitude and happy warmth with a smile and hug when greeting you, will be missed by all. Love to the family during this difficult time. Good memories made, will be with you forever.

RIP my dear friend!!!!!!!

Don and Laurie- I am so sorry to hear about your mom passing. Many fond memories from years ago. Sending prayers to you and your family.

Aunt Rett has been a part of my life since my parents asked her to be my godmother 58 years ago. So many memories of her. Visiting her at the library as a young girl then moving away from New Jersey and starting a relationship through cards and letters. Her expressive cursive handwriting conveying her vibrant, positive energy. Cards turned into phone calls. Never a lull in our conversations. I would put her on speaker and listen to her enthusiatically recount a day in the garden, a favorite...

I remember the first time I saw Loretta, I was six and she was a teenager walking home from school. We both lived on West Street in Woodberry, and she was wearing a long, full skirt with crinolines under it to make it very full and white, Bobby socks, and saddle shoes. I just thought that was the coolest thing and wanted to look like her someday. At the time I didn´t know who she was until I met Don in the late 90s and he introduced me to Loretta and when she told me she lived on West Street...

Aunt Rett was always the cool Aunt. Ever since I was 17 and could drive, we would go to Philly for my birthday. South Street was a top choice. We had our own language. I would always say she was the best Aunt and she would say I was the best niece. I will miss her correspondence. Aunt Rett always loved to take pen to hand and mail little notes and magazine clippings that she thought I would find interesting. Rest in Peace Aunt Rett. Simply the Best!