Nancy J. (Johnston) Schmitt

Nancy J. Schmitt

Age 85, formerly of Fox Chapel, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 27, 2022 in her home at Clermont Park in Denver, CO with her family at her side.  This marked the end of her battle with Alzheimer’s.  Though she battled this cruel disease for 3+ years, she never lost her sense of humor, or grace.  While her communication was diminished toward the end, she could hear a tack drop and was still full of smiles and giggles when family or staff were around.

Nancy was born in Pittsburgh, PA on December 28, 1936, the only daughter of Dorothy and Charles Johnston, the youngest of their three children.  She attended Whightman Elementary and The Ellis School in Pittsburgh followed by 3 years at Penn State University where she met the love of her life, Joseph Schmitt.  They married soon after and were inseparable for 60 years. She supported Joe as an Executive Assistant at Alcoa while he attended Law School at the University of Pittsburgh and was a devoted mother of four thereafter.  Throughout her life, Nancy was fond of saying that she studied “Joe” while at Penn State.

Nancy was kind, patient, selfless, the best mother anyone could ask for. Friends came easily, and though a stay-home mom for four, she managed an active life outside the home.  Throughout her life, Nancy was active in her community, volunteering at a variety of places including Harmarville Rehabilitation Center (Encompass Health), The Perennial Garden Club and Meals on Wheels.

In addition to raising four active kids and volunteering, Nancy also found time for gardening and playing a variety of sports.  Seemingly always on the move, she loved tennis, golf, skiing and even horseback riding including 5 memorable family dude ranch trips.  And when she had any down time, she could be found in the backyard tending to her prolific beds of perennials and her bountiful vegetable garden or visiting the Phipps Conservatory.

Nancy also loved pets. For most of her life, there were at least two pets in the house – usually dogs, but also cats. From Flubber to Judge, Bucky to Sneakers and Loafers, and finally Cozette there was always a wagging tail in the house.

In addition to her parents, Nancy is preceded in death by her loving husband Joe and brothers, Chuck and Chandler (Channy) Johnston.  She is survived by her four children, Eric C. Schmitt and his wife April of Sewickley, Craig J. Schmitt and his partner, Jocelyn Shoup of Philadelphia, Dr. Susan C. Schmitt and her husband, Israel Sostrin of Portland, OR and David W. Schmitt and his wife, Shelly of Denver, CO and seven grandchildren – Sophie, Bowen, Logan, Colby, Wyatt, Reese and Aubrey.  

The family is holding a private funeral service on Saturday, June 4th at the Weddell-Ajak Funeral Home, 100 Center Ave, Aspinwall, PA. 

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held later in July – date and location TBD.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals on Wheels.

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