Juanita Schmidt

Juanita Elizabeth (Kane) Schmidt peacefully passed away on October 12, 2025, at the age of 94. She was born on June 23, 1931, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to her adoring parents, Joseph E. Kane and Lillian (Ritts) Kane.
Nita and her three siblings (Joyce, Joseph and Lynda) lived in "The Diamond City" until the family relocated to New Jersey. While growing up, she enjoyed roller skating, ice skating, bowling, playing cards and crocheting. She also excelled as a baton twirler.
At Montclair High School, Nita was known as "Red" for her beautiful red locks. On July 25, 1953, she married the love of her life, Henry F. Schmidt, Jr., whom she met at the roller rink. She picked Harry during the Sadie Hawkins skate and instantly fell head over heels for him at the exact moment she held his hand.
The couple settled in Livingston, NJ and created a beautiful family with five children: Maureen, Lori, Henry, Mary-Beth and Jennifer. They eventually relocated to Chester, NJ, where the family grew with in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Nita loved to spend time with family as well as traveling. Her home was always full of people, as she enjoyed hosting holidays, celebrations, picnics and parties. Her grandchildren spent many weekends at her home, enjoying extended sleepovers and swimming in her pool.
Whenever you entered her home, Nita always welcomed you to a "cup of tea" or a "bite to eat." With her camera always nearby, she captured many beautiful family moments. She was faithful in life's significant events and ever-present in life's small ones.
Juanita's husband Harry passed away in 1981, but she remained loyal until her last breath, always looking forward to the day they would be reunited.
Although she is no longer with us here on earth, we know that she is enjoying the Glory of Heaven. We are so grateful for her beautiful life of 94 years.
Nita will be dearly missed and loved always. We remember her favorite quote in our hearts, "Everything's fine... Just put on a little lipstick!"
Juanita is preceded in death by:
Husband, Henry F. Schmidt, Jr.; daughter, Mary-Beth Lanzara; father, Joseph E. Kane; mother, Lillian (Ritts) Kane; brother, Joseph Kane; sister-in-law, Clara Kane
Juanita is survived by:
Daughter, Maureen A. Hengst and husband, George; daughter, Lori J. Smith and husband, Lynwood; son, Henry F. Schmidt IV; daughter, Jennifer L. White and husband Jim; son-in-law, Thomas Lanzara; daughter-in-law, Kathryn Stanton; her 10 grandchildren and their spouses, Max, L.J., Abigail (Quinton), Quinn, Austin (Tracy), Dylan (Amy), Lea (Todd), Cheyenne (Giorgio), Marlaina (Mike), Evan; her 14 great-grandchildren: Cooper, Anna, Ethan, Lexi, Landon, J.J., Autumn, Adriona, Noah, Blake, Brooke, Trey, Brooks, Kane; her sisters, Joyce and Lynda, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Private Family Memorial & Gathering Will Be Held in Her Honor