Susan Arlene Schmidt
September 27, 1945 ~ January 9, 2017
Resident of Brentwood, CA
Susan Arlene Hederman Schmidt, beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away on Monday, January 9 after a 2 1/2 year battle with cancer.
She was born in Oakland, CA, on September 27, 1945. After graduating from Oakland High School, and after raising six children, she acquired a BSN degree in a joint nursing program from St. Mary's College and Samuel Merritt School of Nursing.
Her love of music included singing in the church choir, Sweet Adeline's in both Diablo Vista Chorus and Mission Valley Chorus for over 10 years, The Glory Sister's Trio and singing for retirement homes. She had a passion for sharing the love of Jesus with others.
After making several trips with Assist International to Camunal Felix Orphanage in Romania, she recognized the need for clean, fresh water for the children which led her to contact Lifewater International for their help. Thus, she was instrumental in helping plant numerous water wells in Romania as well as various 3rd world countries. She took great pride in assisting with the project at Caminul Felix Orphanage in Oradea, Romania and became an ardent supporter of Lifewater, whose founder, Bill Ashe, became her hero.
She loved to read, garden and travel the world. Susan and her husband, George, traveled the world as his international business provided opportunity. The highlight of her travels was an 18 day trip to the Holy Land with her husband along with a train trip across Australia from Perth to Sydney.
Susan is survived by her husband, George, with whom she shared over 40 years of marriage. She is also survived by six children: Randall Cottingham, Kerri Schmidt, Scott Cottingham, Robert Schmidt, Marianne McCrary and Shaun Cottingham. She was fondly known as "M'Mei" to her 12 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 4th at 11:00 a.m. at Golden Hills Community Church, 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood, CA 94513.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to Lifewater International (www.lifewater.org), P.O. Box 3131, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403.
