Rachel Michele Schmidt

December 13,1993 – March 16, 2025
Treasured daughter, sister, fiancé, niece, cousin, friend Rachel died suddenly and unexpectedly in her sleep. Predeceased by paternal grandparents Fred and Irene Schmidt, maternal grandparents Henry and Violet Quataert, Aunt Barbara Quataert Jensen, Uncle Robert H. Gresens, cousin Debbie Gresens VanMeter. Survived by: Parents Robert (Bob) and Michele (Chelly) Schmidt, brother James R. (Alicia) Schmidt and their children – she loved being an aunt, stepsister Karra (Brian) Mallory, fiancé Colin Wilbert and his loving family, Loving Aunts JoAnne Gresens, Louise (Jim) Stephenson, Uncle Phil (Susan) Quataert cousins and many dear, dear friends and her beloved cat Amelia.
Affectionately known as "the fish" and "bookworm" by her family, Rachel loved the ocean, all things marine, traveling, books, nature, animals of every kind. From an early age she was adept at sinking her father and brother in the pool. Inheriting the paternal "swim gene" she swam varsity while in middle school and as an adult swam in the Rochester Area Masters Club where she met her fiancé, Colin, the love of her life. They shared a passion for swimming, the outdoors, books, board games and so much more. Her personal library consisted of over 500 books in a wide range of genres, many of which were dog eared from being read over and over. She just loved a good story. Favorite books included J.R.R. Tolkien Lord of the Rings, The Tipping Point and others by Malcolm Gladwell, Beowulf, Harry Potter, historical non-fiction such as Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City. She loved David Attenborough, Shark Week, Planet Earth, Mary Poppins, documentaries of any kind.
An avid soccer fan, she followed USA women's soccer and Premier League Arsenal soccer. She found joy in coaching high school swimming and teaching learn to swim classes. She loved family and cherished traditions such as canning and preserving applesauce and tomatoes, St. Patrick's Day Reuben's at her brother's, Apple Festival. She treasured family heirlooms such as her grandma's art and both of their wedding bands. She was fiercely loyal to friends and family.
Friends may call Saturday (March 22nd) 10 AM-1 PM at Vay-Schleich and Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Road. An open mike will be available, and the family asks that you give them the gift of sharing a personal story about Rachel or writing down a remembrance that you would like them to have.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to The Genesee Land Trust https://www.geneseelandtrust.org/ or Seneca Park Zoo https://senecaparkzoo.org/donate/
In Rachel's memory – Embrace kindness. Let go of negativity. Savor quiet time with a loved one, a walk in nature or a good book. Enjoy a fine Bourbon or a cold beer.