Helen E. Schmidt, an inspiring, loving soul our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on New Year's Day, 3 days after celebrating her 100th birthday with those who loved her. She was born Dec. 29, 1912 to Antony and Bertha Zaspel on St. Paul's West Side, the youngest of 12 children. She married Alvin Schmidt on Aug. 6, 1938, and they raised their sons Charlie (Sandy) and Bill (Cindy) in the home they built in South St. Paul. He passed away in 1986. She doted on her grandchildren and their spouses Wes (Kelly), Kirby (Dan Loahr) and Andi (soon to be wed to Corey Boe) and delighted in her sweet great-granddaughter Catherine. There never was a more generous, loving woman. She maintained her independent spirit until failing health necessitated her joining the community at Good Samaritan Society in Inver Grove Heights in 2011, where she played cards and enjoyed the friendships she formed with staff and residents alike. Our gratitude to the fine people who cared for her there. Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 7, at the Church of St. John Vianney, 19th Avenue North at Bromley, South St. Paul, with a visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment General Lutheran Cemetery, South St. Paul. Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritan Society in Inver Grove Heights if desired.
