Mathilde Johanna Dorothea Schmidt

Mathilde Johanna Dorothea Schmidt, 89, passed away at 5:46 a.m. on Monday, January 19, 2015 at Memorial Medical Center. A resident of Springfield since 1957, Mathilde was born December 9, 1925 in Donawitz, Austria, the daughter of the late Johann and Maria Helmreich. She married Helmut H.E. Schmidt on August 19, 1944 in Lubeck, Germany; he preceded her in death on January 19, 1983. She was also preceded in death by a son, Helmut E. Schmidt in 1945 and a daughter, Marguerite Schmidt in 1952; one sister, Gertrude Scheer; and son-in-law, Russell Hickey. Mathilde was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and life-long homemaker. She had previously been employed by Sacred Heart Convent and was a dedicated State Journal - Register Courier for over 10 years. She was also a member of the German Club, and always looked forward to attending the Illinois State Fair and various ethnic and street festivals. She loved to garden, play bingo, and spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mathilde was known for having a great smile and a witty sense of humor. She is survived by her eleven children, Karl S.H. (wife, Sharron) Schmidt of Rochester, Robert W. (wife, Terri) Schmidt of Arizona, Monika Hickey of Springfield, Herbert and Reinhard E. Schmidt, both of Springfield, Brigitte (husband, James) Christine of Springfield, Manfred W. (companion, Heather McKinney), Rosemarie D., and Edmund J. Schmidt, all of Springfield, Richard E. (wife, Brenda) Schmidt of California and Kristine M. (husband, Timothy) Hays of Cantrall, IL; nineteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews still residing in Germany. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2015 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2015 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674, Alzheimer's Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, 2309 W. White Oaks Dr., Suite E, Springfield, IL 62704 or the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702.