Obituary of Shirley Schmidt

May 9, 1959 - October 10, 2022 

Following a long, hard fought battle with cancer, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Anne Schmidt on Monday, October 10, 2022.

Devoted mother and caregiver to her daughter Cassandra Decristoforo, Shirley is remembered as a fierce advocate for children with special needs. Stories of her will continue through her many friends and loved ones, as she is survived by her mother Katharina Pepin (nee Kalmund), her brothers Winnie (Linda) and Hughie Schmidt (Francine), her sister Kristie Pepin (Charles Joanisse), and her many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her father Alfred Pepin, brother Gerhard “Curley" Schmidt and her only son Matthew Decristoforo.

The family would like to sincerely thank Shirley's health care team at the Ottawa General and Queensway Carleton Hospitals, and Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice Centre for their kindness, compassion and support.

A Memorial Service will take place on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment to follow at Pinecrest Cemetery. A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow in the Pinecrest Solarium.

As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Angelman Syndrome Society or Muscular Dystrophy Canada.