Yolanda Maria Schmit

May 26, 1944 – February 18, 2026

Yolanda “Linda” Schmit, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026.

Linda was born on May 26, 1944, in Aarsele, Belgium, to Roger DeVolder and Noella DeCloet DeVolder. From her earliest days, she carried within her a quiet strength, deep faith, and graceful spirit that would become the foundation of her family for generations to come.

She was a strong woman of faith who loved to travel and experience the beauty of the world, but her greatest joy was always her family. Linda was the rock of our family — steady, encouraging, and full of wisdom. She had a beautiful and kind soul, always offering tenderness, thoughtful advice, and unwavering love to everyone around her.

The memories she made with us will last forever. The tenderness she shared will never fade. The most wonderful gift she gave was the special part of herself that now lives within each of us. The truth her love taught us can only be strengthened by time — for where roots grow deep, memories grow forever.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Noella DeVolder, and her brother, Donald DeVolder.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Paul Schmit; her children, John Hendriks, Mark Hendriks and his wife, Kathrine Bittle Hendriks; Lori Hendriks Getz and her husband, John Getz; and Vincent Schmit and his wife, Katie Stump Schmit.

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Crystal Cloven (John), Jennifer Getz, Stacey LaCroix (Dan), Mark Hendriks, Nick Hendriks, Emily Rafferty (Brock), John Michael Hendriks, Monica Posada, and Benjamin Schmit.

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Noah Cloven (Cassandra), Nash Cloven, Madison Cloven, Jade Petree, Landon LaCroix, Londyn LaCroix, Star Hendriks, Noah Hendriks, Aaron Hendriks, Peyton Gunther, Elizabeth Posada, Evan Posada, and Violet Rafferty; and her great-great-grandchild, Faerie Cloven.

She is also survived by her sister, Viviane Opsasnick (Randal).

Linda’s life was a testament to faith, love, resilience, and grace. Though she will be deeply missed, the roots she planted in each of us will continue to grow for generations.

The family requests that a donation be made to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in her memory.

Visitation will be held at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Mortuary, 11500 Arlington Ave, Riverside, CA 92505, on March 8, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, 3680 Arlington Ave, Riverside, CA 92506, on March 9, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

Pallbearers will be Nicholas Hendriks, Mark Hendriks , Noah Cloven, Nash Cloven , Madison Cloven , and Benjamin Schmit.