You're Cordially Invited to Marty Schmidt's
UNCONVENTIONAL
Retirement Party
Save the Date: Saturday, April 9th, 2022 • 1 - 5 pm
Location and service details will be provided closer to the event.
Please RSVP for event notifications and website updates.
Obituary
Marty Kay Schmidt
02.28.44 ~ 12.02.21
Denver, Colorado
Margaret “Marty” Kay Schmidt (Wellinger), born in Roswell, New Mexico, on February 28th, 1944, died on December 2nd, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Donald Lee Schmidt, (02.24.41 – 12.12.09). She leaves behind: her daughter, Tracy (partner Gabe, their children: Presley, Jasalynn, Aryannah, Pharrah); her son, Matthew (wife Heather, their children: Megan, Coley, Macy); her younger sister, Susie Wellinger; her uncle, Jack Wellinger; her cousins: Terri, Julie, and Steve Westerdahl, many nieces and nephews, great and grand nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Judy and Scotty, and her parents Margaret Louise and Billy James.
Marty moved to Denver, CO, in 1969, after graduating with an MA in Psychology from the University of Kansas, where she met her beloved husband, Don “Lumpy” (hired as a Spanish professor at the University of Denver, then, at the University of Colorado at Denver. Don retired in 2007.)
Marty began her career in Denver, at Project Head Start, where she created and worked on significant local and national initiatives. She consulted with Denver Public Schools, parents, teachers, and children, regarding early diagnosis and remediation of emotional and learning problems.
She was also an ESEA, Title 1, Psychological Consultant to Low-Income Level Kindergartens, in poverty-stricken neighborhoods, like Five Points, in Denver. She provided evaluations, diagnosis and remediation of student handicaps, and consultations with parents and teachers.
When she worked at Arapahoe Mental Health Services, she was assigned to consult with Cherry Creek Schools, and also worked crisis hotlines, provided individual therapy with clinic patients (domestic violence, psychopathic personalities, chemical abuse evaluations).
From 1975 – 79, Marty worked for the Cherry Creek School District as Head Psychologist–managing all of the school counselors within the district. She established their Early Identification of Handicapped Program, Sex Education Program and their Learning Disabilities Program.
In 1979, Marty went into private practice as a psychotherapist–specializing in families, parenting, teens, individuals, couples. She became an industry leader in creating individualized recovery programs and counseled alcoholics and drug addicts. She’s been a leader, speaker and mentor within Alcoholics Anonymous, for over 37 years.
Over 52 years as a psychologist, her successful private practice brought her the highest sense of purpose and immense satisfaction–-being of service to others and her community. Marty was an all-around pioneer in her profession, a role model, a brilliant and strong woman. She also worked overtime her entire life: as a dynamic and captivating speaker–writing innovative lectures (like, two well known lectures titled “Sex, Drugs, Rock and Roll”, and “The Wonder Woman Complex”); as an expert witness and legal coach–her work and expertise has been covered in the national and local media. She volunteered her counseling and support services every time there was a local tragedy–and always made herself available to homeless people and those who couldn’t afford to pay for counseling. In many cases, she worked with several generations, in many families.
Marty was a feminist and fought for women’s rights and minority’s rights, for better mental health services for war veterans, and increased awareness for biochemical support for recovering alcoholics and recovery support for their family members. She will be missed by all–her close-knit family–especially her 7 adoring grandchildren–her thousands of clients and colleagues–and everyone with whom she ever crossed paths. She was a very dynamic, memorable person, exceptionally wise, insightful, brilliant, witty, adoring, very generous, kind and caring soul. Her super power was in solving problems and telling stories.
Margaret “Marty” Kay Schmidt (Wellinger), born in Roswell, New Mexico, on February 28th, 1944, died on December 2nd, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Donald Lee Schmidt, (02.24.41 – 12.12.09). She leaves behind: her daughter, Tracy (partner Gabe, their children: Presley, Jasalynn, Aryannah, Pharrah); her son, Matthew (wife Heather, their children: Megan, Coley, Macy); her younger sister, Susie Wellinger; her uncle, Jack Wellinger; her cousins: Terri, Julie, and Steve Westerdahl, many nieces and nephews, great and grand nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Judy and Scotty, and her parents Margaret Louise and Billy James.
Marty moved to Denver, CO, in 1969, after graduating with an MA in Psychology from the University of Kansas, where she met her beloved husband, Don “Lumpy” (hired as a Spanish professor at the University of Denver, then, at the University of Colorado at Denver. Don retired in 2007.)
Marty began her career in Denver, at Project Head Start, where she created and worked on significant local and national initiatives. She consulted with Denver Public Schools, parents, teachers, and children, regarding early diagnosis and remediation of emotional and learning problems.
She was also an ESEA, Title 1, Psychological Consultant to Low-Income Level Kindergartens, in poverty-stricken neighborhoods, like Five Points, in Denver. She provided evaluations, diagnosis and remediation of student handicaps, and consultations with parents and teachers.
When she worked at Arapahoe Mental Health Services, she was assigned to consult with Cherry Creek Schools, and also worked crisis hotlines, provided individual therapy with clinic patients (domestic violence, psychopathic personalities, chemical abuse evaluations).
From 1975 – 79, Marty worked for the Cherry Creek School District as Head Psychologist–managing all of the school counselors within the district. She established their Early Identification of Handicapped Program, Sex Education Program and their Learning Disabilities Program.
In 1979, Marty went into private practice as a psychotherapist–specializing in families, parenting, teens, individuals, couples. She became an industry leader in creating individualized recovery programs and counseled alcoholics and drug addicts. She’s been a leader, speaker and mentor within Alcoholics Anonymous, for over 37 years.
Over 52 years as a psychologist, her successful private practice brought her the highest sense of purpose and immense satisfaction–-being of service to others and her community. Marty was an all-around pioneer in her profession, a role model, a brilliant and strong woman. She also worked overtime her entire life: as a dynamic and captivating speaker–writing innovative lectures (like, two well known lectures titled “Sex, Drugs, Rock and Roll”, and “The Wonder Woman Complex”); as an expert witness and legal coach–her work and expertise has been covered in the national and local media. She volunteered her counseling and support services every time there was a local tragedy–and always made herself available to homeless people and those who couldn’t afford to pay for counseling. In many cases, she worked with several generations, in many families.
Marty was a feminist and fought for women’s rights and minority’s rights, for better mental health services for war veterans, and increased awareness for biochemical support for recovering alcoholics and recovery support for their family members. She will be missed by all–her close-knit family–especially her 7 adoring grandchildren–her thousands of clients and colleagues–and everyone with whom she ever crossed paths. She was a very dynamic, memorable person, exceptionally wise, insightful, brilliant, witty, adoring, very generous, kind and caring soul. Her super power was in solving problems and telling stories.
Lives Well Lived
Our Mom & Dad will be
eternally missed!
Marty's Hobbies & Interests
Featured Projects
Fun Fact: Inventor & Entrepreneur
Marty Invented Lottery Ticket Scrapers
Marty invented lotto ticket scrapers in 1983. She has a patent on a 4-leafed clover shaped scraper. The long-standing joke in the family, is who was going to inherit the 10,000 scrapers–that she never really sold after manufacturing. She’d hired a friend of the family to design the POP (point-of-purchase) box to each hold 500 scrapers, as well as he designed the scraper prototype, which she had manufactured by a local company. They sat in our garage attic for over 35 years.
Special Thanks To:
If it weren’t for Jerry!!! Marty met Jerry’s mom, Ernestine, when Marty & Don first moved to Denver in 1969. Ernestine and Marty worked together in the 5-Points area and with the minority community, to increase school attendance and expand access to social services.
Jerry has been like family–and of service to Marty AND Tracy–especially since Don’s sudden death on 12/12/09. Jerry is proactive, a right-hand man, a honey-do’er–he’s incredibly thoughtful and generous and one of the MOST physically hard-working people we’ve ever met. He’d give you the shirt off his back!
Especially during the past few years, let alone during this past year, let alone since Marty’s most recent hospital discharge–Jerry prioritized Marty’s care, and worked closely–DAILY–with Tracy, to tag-team caring for Marty. He’d stop in to check on Marty, brought her fried chicken or what ever else she wanted to eat–up to 3 times each day.
For over 10 years, he took care of Marty’s yard and landscape, automatically shoveled her sidewalks and driveway–every single storm. He has done all the same for Tracy! When conflicts arose between Marty & Tracy, Jerry was the bridge–selfless, nurturing and always loving and respectful–taking care of both–like family.
Millions of THANKS to Jerry, all of his dutiful kids–especially Avrianna and Aspyn–and his wife, Marva. Marty lived longer and more loved, because of Jerry Fisher!
If it weren’t for Jerry!!! Marty met Jerry’s mom, Ernestine, when Marty & Don first moved to Denver in 1969. Ernestine and Marty worked together in the 5-Points area and with the minority community, to increase school attendance and expand access to social services.
Jerry has been like family–and of service to Marty AND Tracy–especially since Don’s sudden death on 12/12/09. Jerry is proactive, a right-hand man, a honey-do’er–he’s incredibly thoughtful and generous and one of the MOST physically hard-working people we’ve ever met. He’d give you the shirt off his back!
Especially during the past few years, let alone during this past year, let alone since Marty’s most recent hospital discharge–Jerry prioritized Marty’s care, and worked closely–DAILY–with Tracy, to tag-team caring for Marty. He’d stop in to check on Marty, brought her fried chicken or what ever else she wanted to eat–up to 3 times each day.
For over 10 years, he took care of Marty’s yard and landscape, automatically shoveled her sidewalks and driveway–every single storm. He has done all the same for Tracy! When conflicts arose between Marty & Tracy, Jerry was the bridge–selfless, nurturing and always loving and respectful–taking care of both–like family.
Millions of THANKS to Jerry, all of his dutiful kids–especially Avrianna and Aspyn–and his wife, Marva. Marty lived longer and more loved, because of Jerry Fisher!
Jerry's brothers and 2 sisters. Jerry's second from left on top, his mother, Ernestine is center in the first row.
MORE Special Thanks To:
Aunt Susie’s Never-Ending Listening Ears & Sage Advice, Caring from Afar!
Our family can’t thank Aunt Susie enough for all of her PATIENCE, time, listening skills, constant contact, and loving, generous support of Tracy and her family–especially during this past year, and since Marty’s unexpected death. Susie has dropped everything–to drive up to Denver to help our family in times of need–from after Don died–to after Marty died–including flying to Florida, when their sister Judy was dying.
Susie is a FOUNT of knowledge (in general), and knows all about the family history, antiques and heirlooms. She’s incredibly thoughtful, astute, kind–and, did I already say patient?
Tracy spent hundreds of hours talking her ear off, and consulting with Aunt Susie about caring for Marty over the past few years!
Thanks another million, to Aunt Susie–Tracy would not have survived without her!
Aunt Susie’s Never-Ending Listening Ears & Sage Advice, Caring from Afar!
Our family can’t thank Aunt Susie enough for all of her PATIENCE, time, listening skills, constant contact, and loving, generous support of Tracy and her family–especially during this past year, and since Marty’s unexpected death. Susie has dropped everything–to drive up to Denver to help our family in times of need–from after Don died–to after Marty died–including flying to Florida, when their sister Judy was dying.
Susie is a FOUNT of knowledge (in general), and knows all about the family history, antiques and heirlooms. She’s incredibly thoughtful, astute, kind–and, did I already say patient?
Tracy spent hundreds of hours talking her ear off, and consulting with Aunt Susie about caring for Marty over the past few years!
Thanks another million, to Aunt Susie–Tracy would not have survived without her!
Memorials & Charities
Thank you to everyone who asked about Memorials & Charities to donate to in Marty’s name. At her service, there will be bowls to donate to memorials that are being set up in Marty’s name, and to organizations and causes very close to Marty’s heart. You are welcome to make direct donations to these causes, or contact Tracy to mail donations for allocation to Marty’s account at each respective charity or memorial. THANK YOU!
Even MORE Special Thanks To:
In addition to the DAILY support of Jerry and Aunt Susie, Tracy and our Family cannot thank ENOUGH the incredible generosity, thoughtfulness, love, and support from so many of our friends–and even mere acquaintances! Their phone calls, texts, emails, MEALS, FLOWERS, HANDS-ON HELP, in-person visits, their valuable time–have given a true meaning to the saying “it takes a village”–THANK YOU, EVERYONE for your kindest of gestures and sacrifices!!!
In addition to the DAILY support of Jerry and Aunt Susie, Tracy and our Family cannot thank ENOUGH the incredible generosity, thoughtfulness, love, and support from so many of our friends–and even mere acquaintances! Their phone calls, texts, emails, MEALS, FLOWERS, HANDS-ON HELP, in-person visits, their valuable time–have given a true meaning to the saying “it takes a village”–THANK YOU, EVERYONE for your kindest of gestures and sacrifices!!!
EXTRA Special Thanks To:
Lindy & Andy
Kim K.