Elyn S. Schmitz

With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Elyn Schneider Schmitz, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, on October 10, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware. Elyn was born in 1920 in Dover, Delaware, the fourth cherished child of Frank and Philena McKee. From her early days, she embodied a quiet strength, determination, and a deep faith that would carry her through her remarkable 104 years of life.

A proud Delaware native, Elyn graduated from Dover High School before attending Brandywine College. She was also a graduate of the American Youth Foundation’s prestigious 4-year summer leadership program at Camp Merrowvista, nestled in the scenic surroundings of Center Ossipee, New Hampshire. These formative experiences helped shape her lifelong values of service, resilience, and community.

Elyn’s commitment to her faith was unwavering. She was an active and beloved member of the Delmarva Emmaus Community and a long-standing member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where her presence will be deeply missed. Since joining the congregation in 1956, Elyn was a dedicated member of the church’s chancel choir, contributing her voice to countless worship services and celebrations. She also served on the church’s administrative board and was an active participant in the United Methodist Women, holding various leadership roles on its executive board for over 50 years.

Throughout her professional career, Elyn demonstrated dedication and diligence. She began her working life at Diamond State Telephone Company before taking on various administrative roles, including serving as an administrative assistant at both an accounting firm and an engineering firm, and later, as a data entry clerk at PFPC in Bellevue Corporation. Outside of work, Elyn was a vibrant member of her community. She enjoyed indulging in a variety of hobbies, including crafting, playing bridge, square dancing, and participating in numerous church and charitable activities. One of her greatest joys was delivering Meals on Wheels, a service she proudly provided for many years.

Above all, Elyn was proud to be a homemaker during the years her daughters were living at home, devoting her love and care to creating a nurturing environment for her family.

Elyn was predeceased by her siblings: H. Baxter McKee, Francis H. McKee, Emma Doris Tarburton, and Catharine McKee, all of whom held a special place in her heart. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Edward W. Schneider, whom she married in August 1941. Edward passed away in 1984 after sharing 43 beautiful years together. Elyn was later blessed to find love again with William R. Schmitz, whom she married in 1996. William remained her loving companion until his passing in November 2017.

Elyn’s legacy lives on through her three devoted daughters: Patricia James Ronda of Seal Beach, California, Bonnie Harrell of Henderson, Nevada, and Nancy Sanderson of Newark, Delaware. She is also survived by her four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish her wisdom, humor, and unconditional love.

In honor of her remarkable life and her devotion to her faith and family, a memorial service will be held at the Country House in the Danby Chapel on Sunday, October 27th at 11:30 with a reception to follow. Interment will be private, as per her wishes.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Elyn’s memory to the Memorial Fund at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2313 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, where her spirit will forever be part of the church she loved so dearly.