Marjorie Grace Schmidt

Marjorie Grace Schmidt, 92, died at home January 21, surrounded by family and listening to the music of Benny Goodman.

Marjorie was born at home in Kenmore on July 15, 1920, to Paul Hollinger, Kenmore's last mayor before annexation by Akron, and Ethel Cox Hollinger. She attended Lawndale Elementary and Kenmore High School where she played alto sax and clarinet in the marching band and won first place in state instrumental contests in Oberlin before graduating in 1938. She played first saxophone with all-girl jazz bands the Rhythmetts (1936-37) and the Co-Eds (1937-39), and clarinet with the University of Akron band and orchestra, to which she was elected vice president, and general chairman of the second annual May Festival concert in April 1940. Marj was Grand Worthy Associate Advisor of Rainbow Girls 1939-40, member of the Girl Scouts, University of Akron women's glee club, and Delta Gamma sorority. After graduating with a B.S. in education in 1943, she taught at Reimer Elementary before friend Nellie Glover asked her to fill in for the music teacher at Firestone Park School, where Marj organized a student dance band. In August 1945, Marj joined the American Red Cross, trained in Washington, D.C., and served as staff assistant to the armed forces in Wiesbaden, Germany, through 1946. An avid photographer, she taught G.I.s how to take and develop photographs, and oversaw musical programs, bridge tournaments, and movies for the occupation forces. After returning to Ohio and teaching she met and married Karl H. Schmidt, Jr., November 29, 1947. Soon Marj devoted her unbounded energies to homemaking, raising her children, volunteer work, bridge, and golf. She was past president of WITAN, Akron General Women's Board, Delta Gamma, Jaycee Wives, treasurer of the First Grace United Church of Christ Ladies Altar Circle, and was active in numerous volunteer organizations. In January 1966, Marj and friend Helen Slusser spearheaded the formation of the Akron Civic Theater Women's Guild, the volunteer group so important in reviving the Civic. Marj and Karl were avid golfers, members of Fairlawn Country Club since 1952, and she chaired the Thursday Ladies' Golf Association in 1966 and 1996. She remained an active golfer and bridge player until age 89 when major surgery curtailed her mobility. Marj was a doer and a teacher, always willing to share her knowledge, skills, and expertise, be it of music, bridge, or golf. She and Karl travelled, enjoyed a good life, and made life good for others, especially their children and grandchildren.

Preceded in death by husband, Karl, Marj is survived by son, David Schmidt of Akron and Virginia; daughter, Susan Schmidt Horning of New York; brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Grace Hollinger of Texas; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ruth and Dick Viviani of Arizona; sister-in-law, Judy Schmidt of Florida; grandsons, Daniel Schmidt, Nicholas Horning, and Sgt. Tyler Schmidt; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many dear friends she made through a life of generosity and grace.

Marj's memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions can be made to Bath Church United Church of Christ, 3980 W. Bath Rd., Akron, OH 44333; Summa's Palliative Care and Hospice Services, P.O. Box 2090, Akron, OH 44398; and Fairlawn Country Club Scholarship Fund, 200 N. Wheaton Rd., Akron, OH 44313.