Jane E. Schmitt

Rochester, New York, Jane Elizabeth Schmitt entered into eternal peace on April 22, 2023 at the age of 101. She was pre-deceased by her devoted parents, William J. Schmitt and Lillian (Schnitzer) Schmitt, loving brothers, Charles W. Schmitt and William C. Schmitt, beloved Sister-in-Laws, Edna (Grover) Schmitt and Mary Elizabeth (Crouch) Schmitt, nephew Charles “Chuck” (Patricia) Schmitt, and niece Elizabeth Schmitt. She is survived by many nieces and nephews: Ronald (Barbara) Schmitt, Susan J. Schmitt, Fred (Robin)Schmitt, Bill (Ann Marie) Schmitt, John F. Schmitt, Michael J. (Marianne), and Ann M. (Henry) Dabrowski. She is lovingly remembered by many great nieces, nephews and great-great nieces and nephews, and loving best friend Linda Coye.

Known affectionately by family and friends as “Auntie Jane,” she was born on August 6, 1921 in Rochester, NY to Lillian and William J. Schmitt. A graduate of Rochester Public School #37 and West High School, Jane was also a proud graduate of the University of Rochester, Class of 1942. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Math, and took course work in German. Jane enjoyed both artistic and athletic pursuits, including sculpting, basketball, field hockey, modern dance and fencing.

Jane was an accomplished business woman, who ably managed the offices of Wm. J. Schmitt, Inc., (and later) William C. Schmitt Metal Products – both were a family roofing and sheet metal business. Her varied job duties included processing payroll, accounting, and taxes. Jane learned to read blueprints at an early age, and became familiar with the terminology and materials of the sheet metal and roofing trade. Jane’s success in a male-dominated industry was recognized by 50 years in ZONTA International, a business woman’s club, by entering her name into the Book of Letters and Legacies at the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Waterloo, NY.

Jane developed friendships in other countries and traveled widely (and often singly) to Germany, Switzerland, France, Lichetenstein, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Italy and Greece. “Travel,” noted Jane “opens up one’s mind to other ways of living and ideas.” In addition to travel, Jane enjoyed investigating family genealogy, taking slides and photos, dining, socializing, sewing, and participating in charitable organizations. Never one to miss a good party, Jane had a positive outlook and was a great role model for positive aging. Aunt Jane’s example and advice was: “Don’t worry; be happy!”

The Schmitt Family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the Maplewood employees who helped Jane pass to external grace with warm loving arms, soft touches, peaceful words of encouragement, a high level of care and ultimate respect for Jane. We are humbled and grateful for your actions.

Funeral Mass 10:30am Wednesday April 26 at Holy Cross Church.

In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to one of the following: William J. Schmitt Memorial Scholarship at Rochester Institute of Technology, 116 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623-5608 or Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4488 Lake Avenue, Rochester, NY 14612.