Preventing Alzheimers Dementia

By psychologist

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 Terry, Julie, and Steve Westerdahl. 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, as a newlywed, and right after graduating with an MA in Psychology from the University of Kansas, where she met her beloved husband, Don "Lumpy" (who was hired as a Spanish professor at the University of Denver, then, at the University of Colorado at Denver.) Marty began her career in Denver at Head Start--where she created and worked on significant local and national initiatives like public school integration through public bussing, free meal programs, increasing school attendance in poverty-stricken neighborhoods, like Five Points in Denver. She then worked in the Cherry Creek School District as Head Psychologist--managing schools and many counselors within the district. Marty went into private practice as a psychotherapist--specializing in families, parenting, teens, individuals, couples--and 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 memorable person, exceptionally wise, insightful, brilliant, witty, adoring, very generous, kind and caring soul.

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