Nora Ellen Schmidt passed away Monday, August 2, 2021, at home. She was born on March 14, 1926, in Rockport, Washington, to Carl and Elizabeth (Bainter) McGee.
She married Emanuel “Smitty” Schmidt on May 21, 1943, in Sedro-Woolley, WA. While Emanuel was in the service, she worked as a Rosie the Riveter. When World War II ended, they moved to Riverton, WY, to farm and ranch. Eventually, they moved back to Washington State where they operated Smitty’s Auto Body Shop for many years.
She enrolled at Skagit Valley College to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. During the course of her education, Nora received her clinical experience at St. Luke’s General Hospital in Bellingham, WA; Rest Haven in Mount Vernon, WA; Memorial Hospital and Northern State Hospital in Sedro-Woolley. She received her LPN license in 1958.
Nora loved animals and her compassion enabled her to get along with a variety of them. Starting at a young age, one of her favorite pastimes was riding horses and one of her special horses was Bahal.
She enjoyed traveling, especially to 115th Cavalry Association of Wyoming meetings, which Emanuel was a member of. She also enjoyed hiking in the North Cascades and loved flowers. Nora always looked forward to thrift store shopping and having lunch afterwards.
Although she didn’t especially like to cook, her food was delicious. She learned to make meals in Wyoming to feed the farm workers who helped harvest the crops. Her apple pies, chocolate cakes and potato salads were some of the best! And she always put a pot of coffee on for visitors.
Nora is survived by two daughters, Lynn (Rick) Hamilton and Lore Schmidt; two grandchildren, Janice (Mike) Sestrap and Neil (Racquel) Hamilton; five great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Thomas J, Ricky, Makayla and Gavin; plus the animals that were very important to her in the last few years, two cats, Skunk and Puff; and her horse, Sammy.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Emanuel, in 2014; a sister; and a special nephew, Doug.
Mom/Grandma, you will always be remembered for your kindness, generosity, honesty, decency, and just being you. Thank you for always being there for us throughout our lives!
Per Nora’s wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
