FARMINGTON — Frances M. Schmidt, “Nana Schmidt,” 93, of Livermore Falls, passed peacefully Saturday, June 29, at Orchard Park Rehabilitation and Living Center, where she had resided for a very brief time, having lived independently at her Park Street apartment home, supported by her loving family.
She was born March 19, 1920, in Dixfield, a daughter of Elmer and Lena (Webster) Wills. She received her education in Fayette schools and married Frank Schmidt on Feb. 26, 1938 in Wayne. He predeceased her in 1986.
“Nana Schmidt,” as she preferred to be called, was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who also worked outside of the home as a private housecleaner for many local families and at Echo Lake Lodge in Fayette. She also was employed at Livermore Falls Shoe Shop. She was never idle, preferring to split and stack wood, tilling the garden spot, tending to her flower and vegetable gardens and mowing the lawn, long before her husband would return from his day’s work.
She was a Grange member and was a woman of strong faith, enjoying her membership at the First Baptist Church of Livermore Falls; receiving communion, even when unable to attend the church services, and being blessed with weekly Sunday evening phone calls or reassurance from another faithful member of her faith community.
She enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles and watching old westerns on television. Her family introduced her to the racing world, giving her many hours of suspenseful NASCAR races to watch and talk about; Jeff Gordon was one of her favorites.
“Nana Schmidt,” known for her strong work ethic, will always be remembered for her ability to keep an optimistic attitude and kind demeanor, no matter the circumstances. She will be missed and always cherished.
Her survivors include two sons, Erlon Schmidt and his wife, Carleen, of Fayette and James Henry and his wife, Karen, of Lisbon; seven grandchildren; several great and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by their daughter, Maxine Hunt; a son-in-law, Burt Hunt; and all of her younger siblings, Evelyn Savage, Barbara Rose, Roland Wills and Alma Chandler.
Tributes and condolences may be shared with her family on her memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.
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