Doreen (Nielson) Schmitt
May 30, 1958 - October 11, 2011
Doreen Schmitt passed away peacefully at home on October 11, 2011 following a courageous battle with Lung Cancer.
Born in Burlington, WA to Robert and Myrna Nielson on May 30, 1958, Doreen was a lifelong resident of Stanwood. In high school she was involved in both social and leadership teams as well as cheerleading, track and field, and drama. In 1974, she met the love of her life, Rick Schmitt, who she later married. They had three children, Amy, Angie and Jacob.
After high school Doreen attended Northwest Academy of Hair Design in Mount Vernon and worked as a hair stylist for 11 years in the Stanwood/Camano area. Eager for a change, Doreen took a job at the law office of G. Brian Paxton in the 80's before landing a job with the Stanwood School District in 1994. She worked as the high school Athletic Department Secretary, a job that was perfect for her. While working at the school, Doreen served as the Cheerleading Advisor, was an officer on the Booster Club and could be found in the stands at every local sporting event. Doreen retired from the school district in 2007 to focus on her battle with Lung Cancer.
Rick and Doreen truly enjoyed spending time together, often getting away for weekends to their vacation home in Desert Aire, on the Columbia River. They were committed to each other and encouraged their children to be just as committed to the things that they value.
Doreen was the "go-to-gal" amongst her circle of friends whether it be about cooking, parenting, creative advice or simply needing a good laugh. You always knew when Doreen had arrived because she brought a lot of energy to the room. She valued her many friends and often spoke of the selfless role they played in the last stages of her life.
During Doreen's 5+ year bout with her illness she inspired others beyond belief. Being a non-smoker, her "Dream Big" attitude and perseverance helped raise awareness and funding for a disease with such a negative stigma. Doreen will forever be the face of courage in the eyes of many.
Doreen was preceded in death by her husband Rick in 2010. She is survived by her children; Amy Schmitt of Seattle, Angie (Shannon) Schmitt of Edmonds, Jake (Megan) Schmitt of Mount Vernon, Parents Robert and Myrna Nielson of Stanwood, sister Debby Nielson of Everett, brother Darren Nielson of Everett, father-in-law Clarence Schmitt of Stanwood, sister-in-law Denise Nemo of Arlington, sister-in-law Vickie(Tom) Coward of Stanwood, Brother-in-law Jeff (Dawn) Schmitt of Stanwood, and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Thursday and Friday October 13th , 14th 2011 from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. at Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 15, 2011 at the Camano Chapel, 867 S.West Camano Dr. Camano Island, WA, with concluding services at the Anderson Cemetery, Stanwood.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation at 1100 Industrial Road, Suite 1, San Carlos, CA 94070 or Safe Harbor Free Clinic, 9631 269th St., Stanwood, WA 98292.