Obituary of Catherine Schmitt

Catherine G. Schmitt of Berlin, CT died unexpectedly on May 12, 2012 in Lisbon, Portugal. She was 80 years old. She leaves her husband of 55 years, Norman Schmitt; three sons and their wives -- Robert Schmitt and Margo Strawderman of Berryville, VA;Thomas Schmitt and Sheila Cole-Schmitt of Greenwood, MN; and Raymond and Karen Schmitt of Rye, NY. She was exceptionally proud of her seven grandchildren: Adrienne Sizemore of Winchester, VA; Benjamin and Michael Schmitt of San Jose, CA; Caleb Schmitt of Pembroke, MA; Neave Schmitt of Denver, CO; and Kelsey and Emma Schmitt of Rye, NY; and her step-granddaughter Jennifer McIlwee of Strasburg, VA. She considered herself blessed to have had the opportunity to know and love her four great-grandchildren: Andrew, Kevin, Cara and Jack of Winchester, VA. Catherine was the daughter of Aleck and Mary Godzyk and the daughter-in-law of Severin and Irene Schmitt, all of New Britain, CT. She leaves her brother and sister-in-law, John and Ann Godzyk, and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ronald and Ann Schmitt, all of Kensington, CT, as well as seven nieces and nephews. She also leaves Gisele Jackson, mother of her grandchildren, Adrienne, Benjamin and Michael. Although she graduated from Teachers College of Connecticut in 1954 with high honors, and enjoyed her business education teaching experiences, she always considered her greatest accomplishment to be the wonderful life and unwavering love she gave to her husband, children and family. She was a compassionate friend and beloved by all who knew her. Some of these still active friendships extend back 75 years to a group that began in kindergarten. Catherine left this life while doing what she loved, cruising the world with her husband and friends. Calling hours will be on Sunday, May 20 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Farrell Funeral Home, 110 Franklin Square in New Britain, CT. A funeral mass will be held on Monday May 21 at 10:00 AM at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Church St., in Newington, CT with burial to follow in the Maple Cemetery in Berlin. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, friends make contributions to the Jimmy Fund in Catherine's name.