Nellie H "Nell" Schmidt

I miss Nellie and our talks about Branford. God Bless her family.

Nell was my dear friend and secretary for many years at First Baptist Branford. She had such compassion and faith. She was a marvelous person, filled with
God's love and kindness. She stood her ground and helped develop the Soup Cellar at our church. May her legacy of love continue.

I remember chatting and laughing with Nell and Newt across the fence when I lived at 17 Terhune. They were just the nicest, most cheerful people and they made me happy every single time I saw them. Nell and I bonded over gardening and we used to share the weeding along the fence line. I don´t think we ever caught up with the invasive stuff! God has always blessed me with amazing neighbors; I am so grateful to have known Nell. She made my life sweeter!

Nell was a special soul and dear friend for almost 20 years! I think the picture below best illustrates her beautiful spirit. She loved life, always giving so much to it. We bonded over our shared love for the shore, gardening, nature, mega walking/healthy living & a protective respect all living things. We could talk about anything, and we could go deep. A very special woman.

She absolutely amazed me in her volunteer work; with hospice work for years, and every charitable event in town, I would see her working there , whether book sales, church benefits, Christmas crafts sales, Branford Fest, food court etc. Always involved, always helping. And, if at home, she was washing labels off prescription bottles to send to undeveloped countries in need.

I think my favorite memory of Nell is a few years in, we stopped to talk about the beautiful sunset,.., or maybe the great moon the night prior, when she shouted, "I have to show you my favorite spot!!! Get your suit on, & let's go!
We did.. She drove me to a special secret beach spot somewhere near the old double beach. We swam, laid on the sand & talked, swam more... It was a special time.

We will miss you Nell, a special friend who so enjoyed life to the fullest. She especially loved those nights at Debs gathered around a fire with great food, music, friends,& laughs with mike's mango, Albert, Mark Giordano(rip), neighbors & friends old & new, with Beau & Gigi too!
Lots of prayers, love & light Nell, OOOXX

I also lived in Branford for many years so I would reminisce with Nellie about different parts of Branford and whom we knew in common. I will miss our little get togethers to chat. I would introduce myself each time as Elizabeth from Branford.