Ann Devlin Schmidt, affectionately considered the Matriarch of our family, passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at home in the comfort of family and the care of United Hospice and devoted caregivers. Ann was 97.
On February 4,1927, Ann was born in the Hospital for Women and Children in Newark, New Jersey.
Her parents, Ida Wylie and John Christopher Devlin, lived in an apartment in East Orange, New Jersey were her father worked for General Motors. Soon after her sister Jacqueline was born, the family moved back to Newburgh, NY, where their families were living.
After graduating from Newburgh Free Academy in 1944, Ann attended the Spencerian Business School. Upon graduation, she went to work for the New York Telephone Company where she enjoyed a long career culminating in supervision and management positions. Ann kept in touch with many Telephone Co. colleagues as well as fellow NFA graduates. In fact, Ann helped plan and coordinate many class reunions including Reunion #75 in 2019, which would be the last Reunion of the Class of 1944.
Ann was active in the Newburgh community serving as a volunteer at St. Luke’s Hospital for many years. In addition, she was an active member in the Community Garden Club of Marlborough-on-Hudson for almost 42 years, winning First Place in Floral Design as recently as age 88. Ann was also a long time member of the Powelton Club where she and her husband Wayne enjoyed many wonderful events dancing and socializing with friends. They were also long time supporters of Habitat for Humanity and the Newburgh Historical Society.
Researching her family genealogy was a major interest for Ann. She even travelled to Ireland to connect with family members. Ann spent quite a bit of time in the Newburgh Library and with her computer to continue her research.
On June 10,1961, Ann married James A. Smith who predeceased her in 1978. On October 1,1988, she married Reverend Wayne R. Schmidt, pastor at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Newburgh. They were married for 33 years traveling and visiting friends and family until his death in 2020. Ann was also predeceased by her sister, Jacqueline Macfarland, infant great nephew Michael Macfarland, Leah Macfarland, and granddaughter Allyson Schmidt.
She is survived by niece Patti Ann Hunter (John) and niece Lori M. Bishop, also nephew Dale Harris Macfarland as well as great niece Jennifer Slader (Shane), great nephews John Patrick Hunter, Adam Hunter (Jennifer), Scott Bishop (Vanessa), Jason Macfarland (Kerry), Stephen Macfarland, Jeffrey Macfarland (Megan) and twelve great great nieces and nephews.
Ann is also survived by Stepsons Wayne Schmidt (Joyce), David Schmidt (Anne), grandsons Dillan Schmidt (Michele), Michael Schmidt, and granddaughters Elizabeth Schmidt and Grace Schmidt. Great grandchildren include Aaron and Finnley Schmidt.
Ann would be the first to say she had a wonderful life.
Cremation will take place privately at Cedar Hill Crematory. Plans for a Service will be announced at a later date.
The family respectfully requests that any donations in memory of Ann be made to Habitat for Humanity at www.secure.habitat.org, or to the Newburgh Historical Society, 189 Montgomery Street, Newburgh, NY 12550.
Arrangements are under the care of White, Venuto & Morrill Funeral and Cremation Service, 188 N. Plank Road, Newburgh, NY 12550.