Cecilia Anne Schmidt

Cecilia Anne Schmidt (née Freund) of Cleveland Heights passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025 surrounded by family. She was born in 1943 in Washington D.C. to the late Dorothy O’Donnell and John Loren Freund. A dedicated and talented woman, she had multiple careers while she raised her three sons, including working as a telephone operator, managing a veterinary practice, starting her own packing and mailing business, and managing an auto shop. After raising her sons, she earned a bachelor's degree from University of Maryland. Her career and passion for service connected as she became a teacher for homebound students and worked at the local library in Keyser, West Virginia. She also worked as an election poll worker and volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children, helping those who experienced abuse or neglect navigate the legal system. This work always held special meaning for her. Cecilia cherished her memories of the O’Donnell family home in Maryland and Cape May family vacations each summer. Always curious, she enjoyed crosswords, crocheting, music, and her kitchen, where she loved to cook for her family. An open-hearted woman, she formed vibrant communities wherever she lived, especially in West Virginia and Cleveland Heights. She loved playing cards and games with her friends and discussions with her book clubs. In Cleveland Heights, she co-lead the board of Victorian Condominiums, an important community for her. Her love of music and theater often brought her to the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra and Playhouse Square, and she always supported causes she believed in. She is survived by children Matt Swaim (Sharon), Mark Swaim-Fox (Leslie), and Keith Swaim (Shelley); and her beloved grandchildren: Jordan (Sarah), Justin, Callie, Alex, Sean, Morghan, Alyssa, and Parker. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter Madison. She is also survived by her siblings Gretchen Spiegel (Jim), Lonnie Freund (Lynne) and Tom Freund; her former husband John Schmidt (Sandy), and her dear cousins, nieces, and nephews. She will be remembered for her strong and feisty spirit, her deep sense of justice, and her love of and commitment to her family. She will live on through all who were blessed to know her. A Memorial Service will be held at the Cleveland Heights Community Center,Second Floor Activity Room, 1 Monticello Boulevard, Cleveland Heights, OH on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given in Cecilia’s memory to the Cleveland Orchestra ( https://donate2.app/QcC74W ) or CASA of West Virginia ( https://www.wvcasa.org/how-to-help/donate.html )

Cecilia Anne Schmidt

October 31, 1943 - May 17, 2025