Rose Mary Schmidt

Rose Mary Schmidt, a beloved matriarch and cherished friend, passed away on September 14, 2025, in Trenton, Michigan, at the age of 92. Born on December 19, 1932, in Oak Park, Illinois, she grew up amidst the vibrant neighborhoods of Oak Park and River Forest, where her love for nature blossomed alongside her encyclopedic knowledge of flowers and gardening.

Throughout her life, Rose was a pillar of her community and an active member of All Saints Council of the Knights of Columbus, dedicating 55 years to the organization. A steadfast presence at St. Alfred Parish in Taylor, she engaged deeply with her faith for over 60 years, offering support and friendship to all with whom she came into contact.

Her professional journey began as a head nurse at Oak Park Hospital, where her compassion and dedication served countless patients. After marrying her dear husband, Raymond Schmidt, her focus shifted to nurturing her family and embracing life with zest. The memories she created while reading books, playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, swing dancing, enjoying Pinochle, and bowling are treasures that will forever resonate within the hearts of those who loved her.

Rose is lovingly remembered by her children, Thomas (Mary) Schmidt, Jeffrey (Kay) Schmidt, Ellen (Michael) Cole, Beth (David) French, and Gregory (Janis) Schmidt. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren, including Martin Cole, Steven Cole, Leah Sandefer, Anthony Kurdunowicz, Phillip Kurdunowicz, Jared Kurdunowicz, Nicholas French, Nathan French, the late Katrina Richardson, Theresa Schmidt, Andrew Schmidt, Christopher Delaney, and Rhonda Delaney-Weller, along with a remarkable 33 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She also cherished numerous nieces and nephews who filled her life with joy.

Rose is reunited in peace with her beloved husband, Raymond Schmidt, and her parents, Louis and Catherine Bachner. Her cherished Bachner siblings: Robert (Anne), Donald (Marie), James (Edith), Gerald (Pat), David, and Jeanne (Sal) Polizzi, also await her in eternity.

A visitation will be held in her honor on September 17, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Trenton Chapel - Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. A viewing will take place on September 18, 2025, from 9:30 AM until 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where a Mass celebrating her life will commence at 10:00 AM.

As we come together to celebrate the life of Rose Mary Schmidt, we are reminded of the warmth, kindness, and love she bestowed upon all who knew her. Her legacy will endure in the stories shared, the flowers tended to, and the laughter that uplifts our spirits, just as she did throughout her extraordinary life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Vincent de Paul - Saint Joseph Catholic Church - Trenton, MI.