Donna Maria D’Annunzio Schmidt

Donna Maria D'Annunzio Schmidt, of Hampstead, MD, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at her treasured home, surrounded by her family after an 8-year battle with lung cancer. Born on August 24, 1950, in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Mario Michael and Violet Ferna D'Annunzio. She was the beloved wife and true love of 52 years to Richard Charles Schmidt. Their marriage showcased communication, commitment, faith, kindness, acceptance, and "love forever." Their example taught others, especially their daughters, how to share a lifetime together gracefully and gratefully. She was a 1969 graduate of Woodlawn High School. Donna worked diligently for O'Connor Piper & Flynn and Long & Foster Realtors for many years before her retirement. She enjoyed cooking and baking and loved creating new recipes for her grandchildren. Her Christmas butter cookies and gluten-free chocolate cake were some of the favorites. She especially enjoyed spending summers with her grandchildren swimming in the pool, and with her expert decorating skills, "Nana" wove magic into every Christmas season.

Donna is survived by her husband, Richard Charles Schmidt, her daughters, Christina Alana Schmidt Frizzell and Jon of Hanover, PA, and Diana Marie Schmidt Kowalski and Christopher of Oswego, IL, and grandchildren Grace Elise Frizzell, Jon David Frizzell Jr., William Charles Frizzell, Annemarie Catherine Frizzell, Jude Lennon Kowalski, and Benjamin Lucas Kowalski. Donna is also survived by sisters-in-law Laura and Susan Schmidt, and Janet D'Annunzio, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great nieces. She is also survived by family friend Timothy Babylon and her longest lifelong friend, Linda Watson. Donna was predeceased by her brother, Nicholas Richard D'Annunzio, brother Virgil "Spud" D'Annunzio, nephew Steven D'Annunzio, and brother-in-law, John Frederick Schmidt.

Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Monday, September 11, 2023, at the ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., 3296 Charmil Drive, Manchester, MD 21102. Interment will immediately follow in Lake View Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 10, from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the funeral home.

Those desiring may send donations in Donna's name to Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church 26 N 3rd St., McSherrystown, PA 17344.

Online condolences may be offered at www.eckhardtfuneralchapel.com