Judy Ann Schmidt

Judy Ann (Hayes) Schmidt, 79, of Leesburg, Florida, passed away in her home on Sunday, February 22, 2026, after many years of battling with Parkinson's disease.

A native of Bath, New York, Judy was born on Feb. 15, 1947, the second of six children of John and Marjory (Roe) Hayes. She graduated from Olivet Community (Michigan) High School in 1964. She attended Olivet College and Indiana University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. After college, she served with VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), a program designed to combat poverty.

Judy married Dennis Schmidt on April 22, 1972, at the Liberty Center Baptist Church in Liberty Center, Indiana.

She became an elementary school teacher, teaching a few years in Indiana before moving to Florida. She then taught for more than 25 years in Lake County Schools, including Rimes Elementary and Round Lake Elementary. She retired from Round Lake Elementary in 2009.

Judy was a devoted Christian and a member of the Grand Island Baptist Church. She had a lifelong love of music and especially loved to sing in church. She taught Sunday School, played the piano, enjoyed reading and liked to sew, often making blankets and other items to give to friends and family. In the last few years, she was a fan of "The Voice" television singing competition. She always maintained her lifelong desire to help anyone in need.

Judy savored spending time with Dennis, daughter Cathy, and granddaughter Alyssa. She served as a homeschool teacher for Alyssa for many years. Over the course of her life, Judy also cared for many beloved pets.

Judy is survived by her loving husband Dennis; daughter Cathy Schmidt of Tavares, Florida; granddaughter Alyssa Schmidt; sister Linda (Herman) Kilbourn of Crossville, Tennessee; sister Patricia (Jesse) Vidal of Liberty Center, Indiana; brother John (Becky) Hayes of Wesley Chapel, Florida; brother Gary (Edie) Hayes of Martinsville, Indiana; brother Reggie (Phyllis) Hayes of Zanesville, Indiana; and many nieces and nephews. Judy was proceeded in death by her parents and her father- and mother-in law, Kenneth and Evelyn Schmidt.