FRANKLIN – Mildred (Gittings) Schmidt, 89, died peacefully April 27, 2007, at Colliers Nursing Center, Ellsworth. She was born Feb. 18, 1918, in Ansonia, Conn., daughter of Henry J. and Mae (Tupper) Gittings. “Midge” grew up and attended schools in Ansonia, Conn. After graduating from high school, she attended The Valley Academy of Beauty and worked many years, as a hairdresser at Esther’s Beauty Salon and later at Julia’s, both on Main Street, in Seymour, Conn. She enjoyed 56 years of marriage to William J. Schmidt, who predeceased her in 1997. Together, they enjoyed the richness of a close circle of longtime friends, the challenges of parenthood, the blessing of strong supportive church families at the Seymour United Methodist Church and later, First UMC of Ansonia, Conn. In retirement, they knew the pleasure of traveling in Europe and throughout the United States. Midge was active in Girls Scouts, serving as troop leader of Troop No. 1 in Seymour, Conn. She was an active member of the Seymour United Methodist Church, where she anchored the alto section of the church choir for 25 years. She was a strong, determined woman, a loving wife, a loyal friend, and a mother who challenged her children to learn and grow. She embraced the role of grandmother with excitement and joy and adored her three grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sister, Eleanor Gittings; and her brother, Howard Gittings. She is survived by her children, the Rev. Linda Kimmelman and her husband, Donald, and William H. Schmidt and his wife, Julie; and her grandchildren, David Emmett, Nicole Schmidt and Catherine Piscitelli. Arrangements are by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. Condolences may be sent to www.jordanfernald.com
MILDRED (GITTINGS) SCHMIDT
