Esther Schmid

Esther Schmid arrived by ship to America as a young, freshly married Swiss immigrant in 1959, accompanied by her husband, Franz. The two would make a new life in this great country, become upstanding American citizens and raise a fine family. As a Swiss, Esther carried within her a natural reticence, an affinity for precision and quality, and a love of beauty. Ever positive and inclined to praise, encounters with her invariably left one refreshed and more upbeat than before. As a naturalized American, she joined in our idealism and high respect for individual responsibility. As one of God's children, Esther believed, worshiped, and strived to live righteously. The love of Franz and Esther produced three sons. Sons and their wives went on to make five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. More will come, as that story continues. All agree that Esther was cast from the original mold of motherhood. Nothing matters as much as being a good mother. Everything she did, and the way she understood anything that occurred around her, was through the prism of that highest duty. Caregiving, therefore, is always right and proper; and in this, her greatest triumph was fifty years of magnificent care provided to her second son, afflicted at birth with Muscular Dystrophy. To be born into this world a son of Mrs. Schmid was to experience an exceptional stroke of good fortune. Outside of the kitchen window at the Schmid home in Moore, SC, is a collection of bird feeders and baths. From there, sitting at the kitchen table, she enjoyed observing the dance and mystery of nature. Around that same table, over many years, frequently sat lively members of the respective family clans, each with voices and ears engaged and informed. She brimmed with natural culinary talent perfected by upbringing, exposure, and imagination. As such, those innumerable kitchen gatherings stimulated stomachs as well as minds. All at that table were and are blessed to have within them a part of this remarkable woman, and powerfully rewarded by her love. Esther left this world at 6:41 pm on July 14, 2016. At that moment, and during the difficult preceding days, Franz and the extended family held her in their hearts and hands. A memorial service for family and friends will be conducted at 3:00 pm Sunday, July 31, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church Chapel, 393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302, by Dr. Tom Evans. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating generously to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 530 Howell Road Suite 201, Greenville, SC 29615 online at www.mda.org. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Esther R. Schmid please visit our Sympathy Store.