Marty Kay Schmidt February 28, 1944 ~ December 2, 2021 If you’d like to listen to the event soundtrack, click play: Watch Service Videos
Author: 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.
15-Retirement Party Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery Unconventional Retirement Party for Marty Schmidt See Marty’s Life in Photos
12-Gannon’s Speech
Gannon Guest Speaker Next
Brig. Gen. Charles McGee & Fifi
Journey For Margaret
Marty’s dad was a pilot during WWII…
14-Cause of Death – Coroner’s Report
Cause of Death Autopsy & Coroner’s Report WARNING: You may be shocked by or uncomfortable after hearing about Marty’s cause of death. You will not be able to un-hear the tragic news. Please proceed with caution. Our choice to share this very personal information is to provide education and to be honest about reality. Honesty… Continue reading 14-Cause of Death – Coroner’s Report
13-Cucurrucucú Paloma – Lola Beltrán 1965 & Intro by Tracy
Cucurrucucú Paloma 1965 version by Lola BeltranIntroduction to song by Tracy, Marty’s daughter Play Tracy’s Intro first,then click play on the video to the right >> Next English Lyrics to Cucurrucucú Paloma, Lola Beltrán 1965 version Cucurrucucú, (mourning) dove, Cucurrucucú, don’t cry! They say that every night she just went away crying; They say that… Continue reading 13-Cucurrucucú Paloma – Lola Beltrán 1965 & Intro by Tracy
11-Becky P.C. Speech
Becky Peters-Combs Guest Speaker Click to Play Music: Marty’s Grandkids Present Her Cremains Next
10-Eric Peterson Speech
Eric Peterson Guest Speaker Click to Play Music: Marty’s Grandkids Present Her Cremains Next
09-“My Grandma” Rap (cover), Aryannah
My Grandmother Rap Original Lyrics Modified, Spoken by Aryannah, Marty’s step granddaughter https://martykschmidt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/08c-my-grandmother-rap-nana-sm.mp4 Next My Grandmother Rap Original Lyrics Modified, Spoken by Aryannah, Marty’s step granddaughter https://martykschmidt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/08c-my-grandmother-rap-nana-sm.mp4 Next Lyrics for “My Grandma” Rap (Modified from Original) Grandma I’ll never stop talking to you Don’t you ever stop talking back to me I know you tired grandma, hold… Continue reading 09-“My Grandma” Rap (cover), Aryannah
08-From Here to the Moon & Back
From Here to The Moon & Back by Dolly Parton Intro by Tracy & Slideshow Next Tracy’s Insight into Marty’s Love of Her Grandkids: Marty’s greatest joy was her family–her husband, her kids–but, especially, her grandkids–by blood or inheritance! She adored her siblings, her cousins, aunts and uncles, her parents, and most fondly, her own… Continue reading 08-From Here to the Moon & Back
07-Miss Me When I’m Gone, Cups Percussion
Cups Song You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone, original song by The Mountain Maineers. Cups percussion performed by Tracy’s daughters and Janessa. https://martykschmidt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/07-cups-schmumland-girls.m4v Next Cups Song You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone, original song by The Mountain Maineers. Cups percussion performed by Tracy’s daughters and Janessa. https://martykschmidt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/07-cups-schmumland-girls.m4v Next
Desiderata Print
Click here to download the customized printout of Desiderata, that Marty & Don made to frame and give to friends and family. Desiderata, by Max Ehrmann (read by Macy at Marty’s Unconventional Retirement Party) Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible,… Continue reading Desiderata Print
01-Marty’s Grandchildren Present Her Cremains
MARTY SCHMIDT | 02.28.44 – 12.02.21 Psychotherapist • Denver, CO Spirit Rising Marty’s Grandkids Present Her Cremains Click to Play Accompanying Song, Omiya: Next Spirit Rising Marty’s Grandkids Present Her Cremains MARTY SCHMIDT | 02.28.44 – 12.02.21 Psychotherapist • Denver, CO Play / Pause Music: Next
06-Macy Reads Desiderata
Desiderata Read by Macy, Marty’s third-born, granddaughter https://martykschmidt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/06-macy-reads-desiderata-sm.m4v Next Desiderata Read by Macy, Marty’s third-born, granddaughter https://martykschmidt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/06-macy-reads-desiderata-sm.m4v Next Translation / Definition: Desiderata “Things desired or desirable, that which is lacking or required,” plural of desideratum, Latin, literally “something for which desire is felt,” noun use of neuter past participle of desiderare “to long for” Desiderata Go… Continue reading 06-Macy Reads Desiderata
05-Welcome Speech, by Tracy, Marty’s daughter
Tracy’s Speech Marty’s Daughter Click to Play Music: Marty’s Grandkids Present Her Cremains Next
04-Pharrah sings Fly Me to the Moon
Fly Me to The Moon Original by Frank Sinatra Sung by Pharrah, Marty’s youngest granddaughter https://martykschmidt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/04-Pharrah-Sings-Fly-Me-To-The-Moon-sm_2.mp4 Next Fly Me to The Moon Original by Frank Sinatra Sung by Pharrah, Marty’s youngest granddaughter https://martykschmidt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/04-Pharrah-Sings-Fly-Me-To-The-Moon-sm_2.mp4 Next
02-Presley Sings The Rose
The Rose Original Song by Bette Midler Sung by Presley, Marty’s second-born, granddaughter https://martykschmidt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Presley-Sings-The-Rose-edit_2.m4v Next The Rose Original Song by Bette Midler Sung by Presley, Marty’s second-born, granddaughter https://martykschmidt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Presley-Sings-The-Rose-edit_2.m4v Next The Rose, Lyrics Some say love, it is a river That drowns the tender reed Some say love, it is a razor That leaves your… Continue reading 02-Presley Sings The Rose
03-Cole Reads Tomorrow Starts Without Me
If Tomorrow Starts Without Me Poem by David Romano Read by Coley, Marty’s first-born, and, only grandson https://martykschmidt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Coley-Reads-Poem-sm.m4v Next If Tomorrow Starts Without Me Poem by David Romano Read by Coley, Marty’s first-born, and, only grandson https://martykschmidt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Coley-Reads-Poem-sm.m4v Next If Tomorrow Starts Without Me If tomorrow starts without me, and, I’m not there to see If… Continue reading 03-Cole Reads Tomorrow Starts Without Me
Grief Resources
Websites: http://grasphelp.org/ GRASP is Grief Recovery After Substance Abuse Passing, a national resource founded to provide sources of help, compassion and understanding for those whose loved one died from substance abuse or addiction. They also provide online and in person support groups throughout the country. http://www.overdoseday.com/ International Overdose Awareness Day is an annual global event… Continue reading Grief Resources
How to prevent Alzheimer’s–a metabolic syndrome
Alzheimer’s is acquired through poor diet–here’s the science behind how to avoid Alzheimer’s:
Physiological End-of-Life Changes
Physiological end-of-life changes: Confusion, delirium, depression and anxiety. Memory loss, impaired reasoning, and personality changes, declining cognitive function, irritable, agitated Increase in hospital visits and admissions Drifting in and out of consciousness Changes in breathing, including shallow breaths or periods without breathing for several seconds or up to a minute Loss of appetite, not staying… Continue reading Physiological End-of-Life Changes
About Acute Delerium
Acute Delerium Articles: https://www.atrainceu.com/content/1-understanding-delirium-0 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/delirium/symptoms-causes/syc-20371386
How Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use Leads to Cognitive Impairments
NeuroScienceNews Article: https://neurosciencenews.com/cognition-benzodiazepine-20141/
Type III Diabetes
Type III Diabetes Some research studies have proposed that Alzheimer’s disease should also be classified as a type of diabetes, called type 3 diabetes. This “type 3 diabetes” is a term that has been proposed to describe the hypothesis that Alzheimer’s disease, which is a major cause of dementia, is triggered by a type of… Continue reading Type III Diabetes
Quotes & Musings
Marty loved to write down and save–onto sticky notes–quotes she heard that she really liked, or quotes she made up herself. Here’s just some of them. QTIP: quit taking it personally “A minor set back for a major comeback” – Shane Ray, Denver Bronco Marty: Some people see only themselves and they like what they… Continue reading Quotes & Musings
Don & Marty Were Bowling Champions
Fun Facts About Marty Bowling Champion • Bowling League Tracy got Marty & Don interested in bowling while she was in college at their alma mater KU. They were on league up to 15 years solid? And, won League Champion! Sidebar note, Marty’s stepbrother is a professional bowler! More Fun Facts
Preventing Alzheimers Dementia
Dementia is the term applied to a group of symptoms that negatively impact memory, but Alzheimer’s is a specific progressive disease of the brain that slowly causes impairment in memory and cognitive function. Educational YouTube Videos: The 6 WARNING Signs of Dementia (Dr. Eric Berg, DC) At the 1st Sign of Dementia: Do This (Dr.… Continue reading Preventing Alzheimers Dementia
Flight Around the World
Don & Marty Schmidt’s names were added to a NASA spaceship, Artemis I, that’s going to travel around the world.
Resume & Professional Experience
Marty Schmidt 52 years a psychologist in Colorado Marty Schmidt 52 years a psychologist in Colorado Marty’s new Remote Office, having moved out of her Arapahoe Office after over 50 years in an office. Marty Schmidt, MA LPC, psychologist in Colorado – office for close to 50 years (after her other office building burned down)… Continue reading Resume & Professional Experience
Marty has a star named after her
Previous Next Fun Facts About Marty Eponymous Constellation • Named: “Marty Schmidt 2.28.44” This find–during cleaning out of the house–was news to me! I don’t recall EVER knowing about or seeing the tube that has official docs in it about how Marty has a constallation named after her–but, how wonderful that’s off my To-Do List… Continue reading Marty has a star named after her
She was a Lefty, and…
Fun Facts About Marty Left Handed • and, she could touch her tongue to the tip of her nose Marty was a leftie. She always told stories about how teachers would punish her for using her left hand. And, that she never sat in a school desk that was designed for a leftie. However, she’d… Continue reading She was a Lefty, and…
Marty Made it into the Tabloids
Fun Facts About Marty Featured in the Globe Tabloid • Expert Witness Marty was featured in the Globe tabloid in 1983, for her expert witness testimony regarding a case that she “cracked”. Read her statement in the middle column of the “Luke & Laura Did It!” article. Hover over or click on image to read.… Continue reading Marty Made it into the Tabloids
She Invented Something
Fun Facts About Marty Inventor & Entrepreneur • LotsaLuck 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… Continue reading She Invented Something