Joan (Hetzel) Schmidt, 92, of Meriden, CT passed away on December 31, 2023 after a short illness. Joan lived in a historic home in Meriden for almost 60 years thanks to her loving caregivers, Sonia and Steve, and family support.

She is the widow of Frederick Schmidt, to whom she was married for 65 years. She is survived by her daughter, Anne (Schmidt) Danaher and her husband Kenan Danaher, and her son, John Schmidt and his wife Jodie Schmidt, and her beloved grandchildren, Emily Schmidt, Max Schmidt, and Connor Schmidt. She is also survived by her beloved sisters-in-law, Patricia Hetzel and Maria Hetzel, and six nieces and nephews, Chris, Kevin, Jennifer, Renee, Michael and Sara. Joan had three siblings, Robert, Tamar, and Donald Hetzel, who predeceased her. She is also predeceased by her nephew, Alexander Hetzel.

The lights of her life were her grandchildren, all of whom visited with her during her final days. Joan had friends and family with her on Christmas, including her long-time caregiver Sonia Hernandez, who was our angel. At the time of her death her grandson, Max, and his girlfriend, Bailey, resided with Joan, giving her lots to smile about over the past year.

Joan graduated with a Bachelor's Degree, held several positions as an Administrative Assistant, was a Girl Scout leader, held the office of Secretary with the Wilcox Avenue Neighborhood Association, and previously attended Saint John Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School. She was known to her family as "the Queen of Crafting." She will be missed.

Funeral arrangements and burial will be private and in the care of Beecher & Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden. Donations in Joan's honor can be made to Saint John Lutheran Church, 520 Paddock Ave., Meriden, CT 06450.