Savannah Marie McCurdy Schuldenfrei

It is with great sorrow that we announce the unexpected and untimely death of Dr. Savannah Marie McCurdy Schuldenfrei, age 36, on Sunday September 6, 2026 in Eureka, California. Her death was the result of complications associated with an ectopic pregnancy. At the time of her tragic death, she was surrounded by her loving family.

Savannah was born on May 24, 1990, in Sacramento, California to Flordeliza and Richard McCurdy. Since a young age, she was bright, joyful, and spirited, and she remained so throughout her life. Savannah exhibited a deep love of animals at a very young age, and she filled her childhood home with pets: fish, hamsters, rabbits, and dogs. By age 5, she was determined to become a veterinarian.

Growing up, Savannah became well-rounded in several arts and sports. She played piano (albeit begrudgingly) for many years; she very much enjoyed painting and singing. Savannah developed a passion for crocheting in high school, creating many blankets, hats, and outfits over her lifetime; her yarn bins were always filled to the brim. She loved playing soccer and volleyball during her elementary school and middle school years, then she ventured into running cross country with her sister. At Sheldon High School, she became a record-breaking pole vaulter on the track and field team.

Savannah pursued her Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California, graduating in 2012. During her college years, Savannah was proud to assist with horse husbandry, manage cattle, and aid in the parturition services for calves, foals, lambs, and quail. She joined the Veterinary Centers of America (VCA) while living in Arroyo Grande, California, where she became a registered veterinary technician. In 2015, she started the journey to earn her veterinary degree from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada; she often spoke of her love for the beaches of Grenada. While in veterinary school, Savannah made several lifelong friends. She also rescued a cat and several dogs from Grenada, bringing them back to the States to live with her family. These pets will continue to remind her family of Savannah’s kind heart.

While completing her final year of veterinary school at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Savannah met her future husband, Dan Schuldenfrei. In early 2020, after 4 months in Illinois together and 6 months of a long-distance relationship, they made the cross-country trip back to Savannah’s home state and moved in together. While Dan completed his veterinary dermatology residency at the University of California, Davis, Savannah graduated from veterinary school in Spring 2020 and started her dream career as a veterinarian. After Dan finished residency several years later, Savannah and Dan elected to move to Oregon, where Savannah ultimately became the medical director at VCA 12-Mile Animal Hospital.

Once in Oregon, Savannah and Dan happily pursued their family dream. During their 4-year anniversary trip to Newport, Oregon, on March 25, 2023, Dan proposed to Savannah along the tide pools of Cobble Beach at Yaquina Head Lighthouse. In Savannah’s surprise and elation, she accepted the engagement ring but forgot to verbally respond to the proposal. Dan asked again just to be sure and got the “yes” he had hoped for. As they walked along the beach after the proposal, they reveled in the unique Oregonian coastal weather - bright sunlight illuminated the mist, pebble-like hail rained down, and rainbows covered the sky over evergreen tree-covered mountains. That weekend was pure joy for them both.

Savannah and Dan purchased a home together in the Portland suburbs in July 2023. Their next steps - planning a wedding and trying to add to the family - overlapped. After a miscarriage setback, Savannah had her first positive pregnancy test - signifying their future daughter - on December 18, 2024. Dan and a very pregnant Savannah were wed on April 4, 2025, at Salishan Coastal Lodge in Gleneden Beach, Oregon. Savannah and Dan’s daughter, Naomi Rose Schuldenfrei, was born on June 18, 2025; Savannah often referred to Naomi lovingly as her “rainbow baby.” Fortunately, Naomi inherited both Savannah’s beauty and endearing Gemini characteristics.

Savannah had just begun a wonderful new chapter with her growing family. She flourished as a mother, taking on her new role with gentleness and patience. She cared for Naomi with all her being, showering her with affection and taking numerous photos of her every day. As a wife, Savannah was everything one could hope for in a partner - generous, understanding, and charming. She loved Dan and Naomi dearly, and she was loved dearly in return. It is unbearably unfair that Savannah will not be here to see Naomi grow or live through her golden years with Dan.

Savannah is survived by her husband, Dan; her 1-year-old daughter, Naomi; her mother, Flordeliza; her siblings, Tarra and Kyle, and their spouses, Richard and Gabby, respectively. She also leaves behind a multitude of friends and a large extended family.

She is preceded in death by her father, Richard McCurdy; her loyal canine companion and “heart dog”, Ari; and both maternal and paternal grandparents.

A wake and funeral services will take place on October 3, 2026, and October 4, 2026, respectively, at Lincoln Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Portland, Oregon. Both days will be open to family, friends, and acquaintances who wish to pay their respects. On October 3, doors open at 1 p.m. and a service of open sharing will begin at 3 p.m; any family and friends may speak to honor Savannah’s memory. On October 4, doors again open at 1 p.m., and the formal funeral service will begin at 3:30 p.m. with a dinner reception to follow. A private celebration of life will take place at a future date to scatter Savannah’s ashes in Hawaii.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Savannah’s legacy by supporting her family with donations to help with her emergency medical bills, her funeral services, and Naomi’s future. Her family’s GoFundMe can be found at: https://gofund.me/06538eaef. Please give your loved ones and pets an extra squeeze for Savannah.