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Caitlin Schmidt Obituary
COLUMBIA - A life well lived and too short. Caitlin G. Schmidt passed away April 8, 2010.
Caitlin began her journey through life on October 24, 1971, in Buffalo, NY, to the thrill and joy of her parents, Jan and John Schmidt. When Caitlin was young she was willingly dragged through her brother Evan's and sister Gillian's activities. She excelled in the arts, academics, athletics and enjoyed helping those around her.
When Caitlin grew up, those same attributes translated into becoming an OB/GYN, graduating from Wake Forest University in 1992 and the Bowman Gray Medical School in 1996. After completing her GYN residency, she started practicing medicine in Columbia, SC, where she met and married Eligio R. Colon. Together they brought two more new lives, Juliana Isabel and Evan Manuel, into the world and stepdaughter, Ana Karina, into her heart.
In 2005, while still breastfeeding her son, Evan, Caitlin was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She continued her practice, finding that keeping busy with patients helped her - and her patients. "Talking to a doctor with a bald head, in the middle of her chemotherapy, made patients feel like maybe their lives were pretty good," Caitlin often said. When the cancer spread to her shoulder in late 2006, she closed her practice, devoting time to treatment, family, and friends. She worked to improve and sustain the Montessori and Arts programs at Logan Elementary School as well as volunteering to carry the message of awareness as Palmetto Health Foundation's 2008 Featured Survivor. She was doing volunteer work and planting in her vegetable garden in the last days before she passed.
Few people are able to bring so much joy and depth of care into the lives of those they meet as Caitlin did.
A service to commemorate Caitlin Schmidt's life will be held at Seibels House and Garden, 1601 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201, at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 12th, 2010. A reception will follow. Shives Funeral Home is assisting the family.
It is Caitlin's wish that in lieu of flowers or other expressions of love that people send donations to the Logan Elementary PTA Fine Arts and Garden Program at 815 Elmwood Avenue, Columbia SC 29201.
ShivesFuneralHome.com
803.754.6290
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Caitlin Schmidt
Sponsored by Her Medical School Classmates.
John Guerrero
February 23, 2020
We still miss you Cait. Rest with God.
Jan Smith
May 3, 2010
I just finished my Komen walk here in Winston Salem, NC,on May 1 and I placed a tribute plague in our survivor tent to honor her courage, unaware that she had passed. I am so sorry for your loss. I had heard from her many friends and associates that she was a brave and wonderful woman. As a survivor, I feel the loss with you. God bless you all. Jan Smith
April 30, 2010
I am so sad that Caitlin lost her battle with cancer, but she did more in her short life-time than most of us do in a long one. She was a great doctor. She will be missed!
Debbie Gold, Columbia, Patient
Jodie Roberts
April 27, 2010
Dr. Caitlin Schmidt was an amazing women, Dr. and friend. I picked Caitlin as my OBGYN just on the fact I liked her name. Not knowing anyone in Columbia to point me in the right direction in finding an OBGYN. No one could have ever told me she would become such a HUGE part of my life. 5 months into my pregnancy my husband was diagnosed with Stage IV B-Cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.Caitlin made calls for us to doctors, talked to us about what to expect, and promised that no matter what when it was time for me to deliver our daughter she would make sure my husband had whatever he needed to be comfortable and be in the room at the time of our daughters birth. Shortly after our daughters birth I tried to make an appointment with Caitlin and was extremely saddened to hear she was sick again BUT my husband had relapsed also and our next "meeting" would be at South Carolina Oncology. I was so happy to see her but so so saddened to see her so sick. I loved her. She was always so positive and selfless. My heart is broke to hear of our loss. I had planned to call her to let her know that in October I would be doing the Avon Walk For Life in Charlotte in her honor! I will now not get that chance to tell her but I will still be there in her honor. My husband has also lost his battle with cancer January 25th and now my dear friend has lost her battle. I love you Caitlin Schmidt. My heart has an emptiness knowing you're not with us on earth.
Noelle Brault
April 19, 2010
Every time I would talk to Caitlin, she was always more concerned about other people than her own illness. She never seemed to complain or be negative. She was a very special person and I feel that her example will hopefully make me a better person. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of her family.
Jessica Spence
April 16, 2010
Eligio, Karina, Juliana, and Evan,
I am deeply saddened for your loss. I was a nanny for Juliana and Gracie at your home for several months. I got to interact with Caitlin everyday. I got to help her plan parties for her Juliana. She was a devoted mother and loved her children very much. I remember she called Juliana, "Jujubee". I also remember her kindness to me as a friend and later a patient. She was a very selfless person. I will miss her dearly. I wish your family comfort.
Jeannette Neeley
April 14, 2010
Dr. Caitlin Schmidt was the best doctor I ever had. She always took time to listen to whatever questions I may ask. Dr. Schmidt also delivered two of my grandsons, one being one of her first babies. I have thought about her a lot over the past year. My thoughts and prayers go out to her many friends and family.
Stacey Small
April 13, 2010
Dr. Schmidt was a wonderful person and physician. My son was one of the last babies she delivered in November '06 and she was so caring and kind even when she was in pain. She is so very missed and loved by so many!
Enjoying the game with Evan.
April 13, 2010
Vicky and Vince Cruz
April 13, 2010
Our family met Caitlin and her sweet family in 2008 during the kids soccer season. I never knew during that first season she was ill - it never came up. I knew she spoke Spanish, I knew she was a physician, but I didn't know she was raging a war.
Our family will always remember Caitlin cheering and smiling for her kids on the sidelines. Never really keeping score just enjoying her children's joy.
Our family met Caitlin and her sweet family while our little girls played soccer. We will always remember her cheering and smiling on the sidelines.
April 13, 2010
Our family met Caitlin and her sweet family in 2008 while our daughters played soccer together. We will remember her cheering on the sidelines.
April 13, 2010
Elizabeth Allen
April 12, 2010
As a social worker @ SCOA, I always enjoyed seeing Caitlin and her mom making jewelry in the chemo area. She had a smile that could light up a room. She was always willing to offer support to other patients. She will be greatly missed by our community and by our SCOA family.
Dottye Wodogaza
April 12, 2010
Dear Family,
My heart goes out to you and I am so sorry for your great loss. Dr. Caitlin gave so much to others despite her battle with breast cancer. The way she lived her life was an inspiration and a testimony to her remarkable character. She will be greatly missed. Dottye Wodogaza, RN
Connie Elgin
April 12, 2010
Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers. I met Caitlin when I first moved to Columbia through her practice,I was so saddened when she stoppped practicing and elated when she started back. She was a very brave and strong women. She loved her family and her life.I spoke of her often to my husband.She touched my life and I will never forget her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Wilson
April 12, 2010
To Caitlin's family, I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful woman who touched so many lives. She was a such a strong and caring woman. I was very sad when I learned of her passing. She will be missed and she was loved by many.
Kathy Finger
April 12, 2010
Dear family members and friends of Caitlin, I met Caitlin a few years back as a fellow breast cancer survivor. I instantly 'took' to her - her friendliness, her smile, her warmth, her peace. I’m so very saddened she has passed from this life so soon, so young, and so full of love for her children, family, and life. Once, in an email, Caitlin wrote to me of her children, “i love them beyond reason”.
As I grieve with you, I pray you may also know deep peace and comfort in simply the love of Caitlin.
Dear Caitlin, Thank you for your caring and support the past few years. It was a pleasure to know you. Peace and love to you.
Lavennia Roberts
April 12, 2010
To Caitlin's family..i truly want you all to know how much Dr. Schmidt saved my life. I came to her with the first stages of cerival cancer and she stopped at nothing to help save my life!! When i heard of her passing today, a little piece of me died. She truly was a jewel and i thank her for helping to save my life! She will truly be missed! My prayers and thoughts are with you all!
Cricket Lucas
April 12, 2010
My heart breaks for the family, friends, and patients, of Caitlin. She will be sorely missed. Caitlin was a very special person and a fantastic doctor. She touched many lives and hearts in her short stay with us. I love you Caitlin and I thank God he put you in my life at a time when i needed a caring doctor.
Leslee Bomar
April 12, 2010
To Caitlin's parents and all of her family - May you find comfort in GOD's peace during this time of sadness. I too was a patient of Caitlin's up until she closed her practice. I am also a registered nurse, and have not ever met a more caring, loving physician or person who truly cared and loved her patients as much as she did. She will be missed by many. No matter what the situation her smile and comforting words always brightened everyone around her.
Patti Dalton
April 12, 2010
Dr. Schmidt was my OB when I was pregnant with my son in 2006. She was the kindest doctor I have ever come in contact with. One week before we decided to induce Dr. Schmidt closed her practice. I so wanted her to be there. I thought of her often, and when I learned of her passing I broke down and cried. Because she truly was an amazing person. She was so kind and gentle and she really cared about her patients. I will never forget her, and I don't know of to many pt's that would. I love you Dr. Schmidt. Thank you for touching so many people's lives.
Beth Perry
April 12, 2010
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend. Caitlin and I had a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other under not so wonderful conditions. She was amazing in so many ways. I will miss her smiling face!
Noreen O'Donnell
April 12, 2010
Sincere condolences to all of Caitlin's family. She touched many, many lives. May she rest in peace.
Eve Tucker
April 11, 2010
Caitlin was an amazing woman who fought this disease with incredible strength. I know that she touched the lives of many people, and that her patients loved her. She will certainly be missed.
MaryAnne Massey
April 11, 2010
Caitlin, You were a light in so many lives and will be greatly missed and always remembered.
Semra Smith
April 11, 2010
I met Caitlin at my former OB's office in Columbia. Like many have said I fell in love with her almost immediately and knew I would follow her anywhere. I followed her into her new practice and she was my OB in 2002 for my first daughters birth we were pregnant at the same time for the first time. Looking back I think now of how comforting she was. In 2005 when she was diagnosed I was so sad to hear of her illness. But strong as she was she fought back and I could not think of any one I would rather have beside me for my second daughters birth and she was delivering her safe and healthy in 2006.Shortly after my daughters birth in September of 2006 she closed her practice. Caitlin gave me 2 of my most precious gifts in my life and I will never forget her.....She was a beautiful person and my heart now breaks for her family, loved ones, friends and former patients. I know in all areas of her life she will be truly missed.
Barbara Snipes
April 10, 2010
To her family, I am so very sorry for the loss of Caitlin.She was truly an amazing person, and a wonderful and caring physician. I was lucky to have worked with her before she retired,and saw firsthand how much she loved medicine and caring for her patients. She will always be fondly remembered by her friends and patients.
My deepest sympathy ,
Barbara Snipes
Jennifer McEnulty
April 10, 2010
I had the PLEASURE of working Labor and Delivery with Caitlin several years ago....what a wonderful woman and example to us all. She will be greatly missed.
Mandi Green
April 10, 2010
My heart hurt as I learned of Dr. Schmidt's passing. As one of her patients, I can attest to the contagious smile and kind heart she possessed. Her phones calls, after the passing of my young son, Harper in 2006, were tear filled and gentle. May her family find comfort knowing that there are many people who were touched by her life and will remember her for many years to come.
Julie Connaghan
April 10, 2010
To John & Jan, the Schmidt family and your loved ones, Wishing you deep comfort in your loss of Caitlin.
Sara Spence
April 10, 2010
Eligio and family,
My thought and prayers go out to you during this time. Caitlin was a super doctor and friend to my daughter.I had the pleasure of meeting your children when my daughter would babysit for you two.Caitlin will surely be missed.
Jennie Hudgins
April 10, 2010
All who came in contact with Caitlin loved her almost immediately...My heart breaks, along with so many, that she is no longer here with us, but I pray that she is now more alive than ever and cancer-free. Praying for her family and friends, that you will have peace beyond understanding as you grieve for her...
Judy Dotson
April 10, 2010
You were the kind of person that I wished I had known.
Paula Vaught Adams
April 10, 2010
To Caitlin's beloved family: I never had the privilege of meeting Caitlin, but will be forever grateful for her role in saving the life of Sharon, a person who is precious to our family. Sharon and her family spoke so often about how special Caitlin was. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Robin Scott
April 9, 2010
You are a wonderful person, doctor and friend. I miss you. I am sorry that you did not have the time you wanted to have but you really made the absolute most of the time you were alive. Thank you for everything that you did for me and meant to me. I will always hold you dear. I remember our plan for being older that we made on your porch one night right before Billie Claire was delivered into your safe hands. I am sorry that you won't turn 50 the year I turn 60. But I will always think of the things you said. I love you my friend. Rest now, you earned it.
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