Maria Schmidtke

Maria M Schmidtke, 87, of Milford, beloved wife of recently deceased Herbert Schmidtke, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2023 at Yale New Haven Hospital. Born on April 11, 1936 in Allenstein, Germany. She was the daughter of the late Georg Bergmann and Hedwig Zimnik.

Maria grew up in Allenstein Germany, which was occupied Poland durning World War II. Before coming to America in 1953, Maria’s education was in accounting. Her native language was German. Maria frequently spoke German, English, and Sign Language. Maria was a homemaker raising 3 children and managing the Schmidtke Homestead. Among being a homemaker Maria enjoyed world travel, visiting over 61 countries in her life time.

Maria’s special talent was with children. After raising her 3 children, she had help in raising many other children, as she was nanny to over 20 children in her life time. Maria was also known for her generosity, giving to many causes and people along the pathway of her life.

Maria leaves behind her children, David Herbert Schmidtke (56) and his wife Jennifer, Alex Georg Schmidtke (51) and his wife Faye, and Peter Josef Schmidtke (46) and his wife Alayna. Maria has 4 grandchildren, Jeremiah, Samuel, Kayla and Eden.

Maria gave her life to Christ and has returned home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. One memory Maria would love to leave behind to her loved ones, That Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven and a relationship with God is not a religious experience, but a way of life.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, May 19, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home 107 Broad Street, Milford, CT 06460. A Graveside Service will follow at Kings Highway Cemetery, 271 Cherry St., Milford. 

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