Kathryn Schmeding

Kay Schmeding was born in July 1933 in Canton, Ohio to Mary (Churchill) and Paul Young, the oldest child of three with siblings Kippy (Cynthia) and Kit (Paul).  She was born during the depression and spent her early years living with extended family including her parents, uncles, aunts and her beloved grandfather, at one time all living together in a tavern.

Kay was a dedicated student and her loving parents, especially her father, encouraged her to pursue her dreams.  She went to Wittenberg University and did exceptionally well, especially in the sciences, and was considering medical school.  During her freshman year, she went on a blind date with Bob Schmeding, an upperclassman, whom her dear friends set her up with.  They really hit it off and were pinned, leading then to their plans to marry after Kay’s graduation.  Kay switched majors and took educational classes at Wittenberg and taught high school chemistry and physics upon graduation.

Kay and Bob then embarked on a lifetime of adventures together.  They moved 24 times in their 59 years of marriage; lived in four States and six countries and had three children, Ellen, Paul and Susan, who accompanied them to places across the globe. They had the privilege of meeting people of all kinds and encountering sounds and sights that allowed for a particularly rich education.

During their time abroad, Kay often taught, calling upon her knowledge of biology and chemistry, and after receiving her Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology, she received a Fullbright scholarship and taught in French as part of a teacher training branch of the University in Cameroon.  This experience served her well when she later joined the Johns Hopkins program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (Jhpiego) and spent much of the 90’s teaching doctors and nurses in developing countries like Rwanda, Ghana, Philippines, Kenya, and Zimbabwe how to recognize and treat sexually transmitted diseases.  She was well-respected by those she taught who listened to and appreciated the “white-haired” doctor.

The longest they lived anywhere was their beautiful retirement lake home at Smith Mountain Lake and that was for 16 happy years.  They entertained friends and family, both local and those from across the globe, in the solid timber frame home that they designed.  Their children and grandchildren spent many wonderful days at the Lake, making memories while swimming, skiing, fishing and sharing the holidays and birthdays with amazing meals prepared by Kay and Bob.

They moved to The Glebe in 2014 and Bob died shortly thereafter.  During the 10 years Kay lived at The Glebe, she enjoyed getting to know many of the residents and participated in the writing and bridge groups, book clubs, resident advisory, chaplaincy assistance, volunteering in healthcare and so much more.

Kay’s openness to people of all backgrounds and her many friendships from across the world have served to educate her family on how to respect the differences between people and their many unique cultures and religions.

She served as a role model demonstrating to her children and grandchildren that anything is possible – for a person, for a woman.  She pursued her dreams and worked hard to reach them, receiving both her master’s and Ph.D. all while raising a family and working.  She will be missed tremendously, but her family notes that she lived a life well spent. She did not fear death, but had a deep faith that helped her to look forward to reuniting with her beloved husband and parents, in the arms of the Lord.  We treasure the 90 years she spent on this earthly plane and give thanks to have spent this time together with Kay.

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