Catherine Dicks Schmidt

Catherine Dicks Schmidt passed away peacefully on April 27, 2022 in New Orleans. She was the daughter of Charles Barber Dicks, Jr. and Elizabeth Harvey Dicks. She was predeceased by: her beloved “Baldy,” her husband of 63 years; her sister, Jane Dicks Harris; and her brother, Charles Barber Dicks, III.

She is survived by: her sister, Elisabeth Dicks Torry; her children, Richard Douglas Schmidt (Lynne), William Tracy Schmidt (Pam), Catherine Schmidt Pitts (Jay), John Hugo Schmidt, and Elisabeth Sigmar Schmidt; her 10 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Catherine was a lifelong resident of New Orleans. She graduated from Newman School and Newcomb College where she earned a teaching degree and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. As a subdeb she was Queen of Les Pierrettes and then later during her debutante year she enjoyed being in the court of Harlequins and Atlanteans.

Catherine was heavily involved in many civic and social organizations. She was a member of Le Petit Salon, Junior League, Colonial Dames and Past President of both St. Anna's and the Orleans Club. She also enjoyed being involved in her church, Christ Church Cathedral, after many years at St. Andrews Episcopal. She was on the altar guild and loved organizing and arranging flowers for church services. She also loved gardening as reflected in her beautiful yard.

Catherine was a Kindergarten teacher for many years at Newcomb nursery, St. Augustine, St. Andrews and then later at Trinity School. Her love for teaching was evident to all.

Catherine and Baldy loved walking in the park, doing crossword puzzles together, enjoying an afternoon coffee at The Rink and traveling. But their favorite pastime of all was being with their children and grandchildren, especially when they came to visit. Other reunion spots were Pass Christian, Ms., 4 Mile Village in Florida and Lake Toxaway, NC.

Catherine will be deeply missed by her family and friends who loved her for her warmth, generosity and kindness. Many thanks to the staff at Lambeth House who cared for her.

A celebration of Catherine's 94 years will be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd New Orleans, LA 70124. Visitation will begin at 9:00AM followed by a service at 10:00AM. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Catherine’s memory to Magnolia Community Services.

The family invites you to share fond memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.