Lydia Schmidt

Lydia Ann Schmidt, 49, Topeka, passed away at her home, surrounded by her family, Friday, May 13, 2016, after a valiant battle with ovarian cancer. Lydia was born February 17, 1967, in Topeka KS, the daughter of Antonio and Pauline Palacio Gutierrez. She was a proud graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic Grade School, Hayden High School in 1985 and the University of Kansas, earning a bachelor degree in Business Communication. On September 15, 1990, Lydia and Kevin Schmidt were united in marriage at Sacred Heart Church. They enjoyed more than 25 years together. Lydia was a human resources manager for Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a job that she treasured and at which she excelled for 15 years. She enjoyed traveling for her job and with family, especially her short time living in New Jersey. Lydia was a vital and active member of Mater Dei Parish where she was a cantor; music was an integral part of her life. She served in many volunteer capacities and enjoyed many amazing friendships. Not only did Lydia excel at her job but also as a mother who loved and cherished her children and their talents, actively supporting all their activities. In her honor, her family has established Lydia’s Lending Library at St. Francis Health Center to help support those going through cancer treatment. Lydia was larger than life. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She will be dearly missed. Grateful to have shared her life are her husband, Kevin Schmidt; children, Stephen, Isabel, Mary, Claire and Sarah, of the home; mother, Pauline Gutierrez, Topeka; siblings, Lisa Houser (Mike) Overland Park KS, Lori Wickliffe (Kevin) Lawrence KS, Andrew Gutierrez (Amy) Salisbury MD, Ron Gutierrez (Aggie) Overland Park KS and Deb Hunter (Jeffrey) Mayetta; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her father and her brother, Vincent Gutierrez. Family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church, 1114 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604, where a parish rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Church. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Mater Dei Grade School, 934 SW Clay Street, Topeka KS 66606

Lydia Schmidt

February 17, 1967 - May 13, 2016