Eileen E. Schmitt
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Eileen E. Schmitt, June 18, 1924 to July 26, 2017. Mrs. Schmitt was born in London, UK, educated in local public school and the Greycoat School for Girls at Westminster Abbey. Her education cut short by World War II, she joined the Land Army at age 18, and met her future husband, Robert Henry Schmitt, while he was stationed in England awaiting deployment to Europe. She emigrated to the US to be married in 1946. The Schmitts moved to Bath, New York, in 1953. Mrs. Schmitt served as a library assistant at the Davenport Memorial Library starting in 1965, helping many with homework and research assignments as well as staffing the checkout desk until about 1976. She was a long-time member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, fulfilling many duties from the traditional roles of kitchen and hospitality to leadership of the Episcopal Churchwomen. Many will remember her gracious greetings and invitations to become part of the parish family. She also undertook ground breaking leadership roles, becoming the first woman licensed to be a lay reader and chalice bearer in the Diocese of Rochester. She also served on the Parish Vestry and represented St. Thomas at Diocesan Conventions. Always active in her community, she found special satisfaction in volunteer work at Turning Point, the Catholic Charities outreach center in Bath. There, she supported the mentoring program, and fostered a strong and long lasting relationship between Turning Point and St. Thomas Church. She was a proud member of the “Forum” discussion group that hosted many seminars focused on human and environmental needs. Due to failing health, she moved to Wilmington, North Carolina in 2013, but always remained closely connected to her home, church and community. She is survived by her children: Penelope, of Wilmington, NC; Geoffrey (Brenda) of Princeton, LA;, Nicholas (Marcia), of Coshocton, OH; four grandchildren, Alex Schmitt and Sam (Ann) Schmitt , John Harpold, James Harpold (Lara) and one great grandson, Noah Harpold. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Bath, NY on Oct. 14.
Category: Obituaries
