Anna Schmidt

Anna (Sturgeon) Schmidt, 95, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, having lived a full and happy life. Anna was born on August 13, 1927, the daughter of Forest William Sturgeon and Gladys Pearl (Daily) Sturgeon, and grew up in New Albany, Indiana, along with her sister Doris Pearl Sturgeon and brother Robert (“Bob”) Sturgeon. She attended State Street School and New Albany High School, from which she graduated in 1946. Ever determined, in her 50s, Anna returned to education to earn her Associate’s Degree from Indiana University Southeast.

From her youth, Anna was always a curious, clever and deeply caring person, and she lived her life committed to her family, her faith and her community. From the day the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library opened its doors in 1969, Anna was at its heart, serving a twenty-three year career with the library. Anna was widely loved and recognized for her community involvement, including her activity in the Holy Family Catholic Church and service on numerous local government commissions and projects. Anna took great pride in her hometown, and worked tirelessly for the betterment of her community.

On a snowy Christmas Eve, William (“Bill”) Schmidt proposed to Anna, and the two married on July 5, 1948. The couple celebrated nearly seventy-two devoted, loving years together, raising their three sons, Pat, Danny and Greg Schmidt. Their love remains an inspiration for all who were fortunate to experience it.

According to Anna, there are two keys to remaining happy: keeping a positive attitude and never losing your sense of humor. It is these qualities, along with her heartfelt kindness, that her family and friends remember most. Her token phrase, as her children and grandchildren remember fondly, is “When you are down, there is no place to go but up.” With a laugh and a smile, she would remind all of us to search for the silver lining. She was a remarkable woman, and strove always to help and take care of others.

In addition to her parents, Anna is preceded in death by her husband Bill Schmidt, son Pat Schmidt and sister Doris Pearl Sturgeon. She is survived by her brother Bob (Sue) Sturgeon, children Danny (Toni) Schmidt and Greg (Jan) Schmidt, daughter-in-law Susie Schmidt and three grandchildren, Kelly (Amanda) Schmidt, Devony Schmidt and Evan Schmidt, who dearly loved and were loved by her.

Her visitation will be Sunday, October 9, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Monday, October 10, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany. The funeral service will be held on Monday, October 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany.

The family requests donations in Anna's memory to Holy Family Catholic Church, 129 W. Daisy Lane, New Albany, Indiana 47150.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kraftfs.com for the Schmidt family.