Jean Schmidt

Jean Elizabeth Schmidt was born on July 23, 1937, in Pensacola, Florida, to Elizabeth Jane Broughton (Scofield) and Donovan Straus Broughton. Her family, including her sister Joan, lived in several places around the country as their father served in the Navy, including Pearl Harbor during the bombing in 1941. They later settled in Napa, California.

Her Family

In June 1957, Jean married Francis Shouse in Napa, California. They raised four children: Michael Richard Shouse, Caryn Frances Shouse, Mary Catherine Shouse, and Thomas Donovan Shouse.

Ultimately, the family made their home in Cotati, California, where Jean lived for over 40 years. Jean later married George Schmidt in 1997.

Jean is survived by her children and their families:

Michael and Christy Shouse: Their family includes Wyatt Shouse (predeceased); and Spencer and Elise Shouse and their daughter, Samantha.

Caryn and Scott Sandwith: Their family includes Christopher and Michelle Fields; Megan Sandwith; Lauren Sandwith and Bennett Comendul, who have a child on the way; Ashley and Rob Carson and their son, Rowan, with another child on the way; and Karleigh and Matthew Fullerton and their children, Rachel and Christopher.

Mary and Jim Crawford: Their family includes Clay Soto; Catrina and Oscar Salinas and their children, Malia, Camila, Nevaeh, and Lorenzo; Craig and Vianey Soto; Chris Crawford; and Nick Crawford.

Thomas and Cantrice Shouse (predeceased): Their family includes their sons, Donovan Shouse and Matthew Shouse; and their daughter, Amber, and Caleb Stuber and their son, Rowan.

Her Love for Family

Jean was an amazing and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was always at the center of her life, and over the years she devoted countless hours to caring for, helping, and supporting her children and grandchildren.

She would do anything for her family and was always there when someone needed her. Whether it meant helping care for a child or grandchild, offering a place to stay, lending a hand, or simply being there when she was needed, Jean gave generously of her time and love.

A Life of Caring for Others

After raising her children, Jean worked as a secretary for the Salvation Army, where she helped many people in need. Her compassion extended far beyond her work. Jean had a generous heart and helped countless people throughout her life, at times even opening her own home to people who were homeless and needed a place to stay.

Jean then trained to be a psychiatric technician and worked at Sonoma Developmental Center for over 20 years. She was deeply devoted to the people in her care and took great pride in caring for her patients.

Faith and Church

Jean joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and her faith became a very important part of her life. She was first introduced to the faith through her aunts—her mother's sisters—and through them she began to learn, study, and grow in her faith.

Jean became a devoted member of the church. She loved to sing and generously shared her time and talents. Over the years, she worked and volunteered in many different ways, doing countless things to help and serve her church community.

Her faith, her love of music, and her desire to serve others were deeply woven into the person Jean was.

Remembering Jean

Jean's life was defined by her love for her family, her compassion for others, and her faith. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cared deeply for those around her. Whether she was raising her children, caring for her patients, helping someone in need, opening her home to others, or serving her church, Jean gave generously of herself.

Her warm kindness, deep generosity, and steady presence left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

In Memory of Jean Elizabeth Schmidt

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor the memory of Jean Elizabeth Schmidt may consider making a donation in her name to Vine Maple Place in Maple Valley, Washington. Donations can be made through their website at vinemapleplace.org.

Vine Maple Place helps single-parent families and their children who are experiencing or facing homelessness. This meaningful cause reflects Jean's lifelong compassion and generosity toward those in need.