Rachel Michele Schmidt
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December 13,1993 – March 16, 2025
Treasured daughter, sister, fiancé, niece, cousin, friend Rachel died suddenly and unexpectedly in her sleep. Predeceased by paternal grandparents Fred and Irene Schmidt, maternal grandparents Henry and Violet Quataert, Aunt Barbara Quataert Jensen, Uncle Robert H. Gresens, cousin Debbie Gresens VanMeter. Survived by: Parents Robert (Bob) and Michele (Chelly) Schmidt, brother James R. (Alicia) Schmidt and their children – she loved being an aunt, stepsister Karra (Brian) Mallory, fiancé Colin Wilbert and his loving family, Loving Aunts JoAnne Gresens, Louise (Jim) Stephenson, Uncle Phil (Susan) Quataert cousins and many dear, dear friends and her beloved cat Amelia.
Affectionately known as “the fish” and “bookworm” by her family, Rachel loved the ocean, all things marine, traveling, books, nature, animals of every kind. From an early age she was adept at sinking her father and brother in the pool. Inheriting the paternal “swim gene” she swam varsity while in middle school and as an adult swam in the Rochester Area Masters Club where she met her fiancé, Colin, the love of her life. They shared a passion for swimming, the outdoors, books, board games and so much more. Her personal library consisted of over 500 books in a wide range of genres, many of which were dog eared from being read over and over. She just loved a good story. Favorite books included J.R.R. Tolkien Lord of the Rings, The Tipping Point and others by Malcolm Gladwell, Beowulf, Harry Potter, historical non-fiction such as Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City. She loved David Attenborough, Shark Week, Planet Earth, Mary Poppins, documentaries of any kind.
An avid soccer fan, she followed USA women’s soccer and Premier League Arsenal soccer. She found joy in coaching high school swimming and teaching learn to swim classes. She loved family and cherished traditions such as canning and preserving applesauce and tomatoes, St. Patrick’s Day Reuben’s at her brother’s, Apple Festival. She treasured family heirlooms such as her grandma’s art and both of their wedding bands. She was fiercely loyal to friends and family.
Friends may call Saturday (March 22nd) 10 AM-1 PM at Vay-Schleich and Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Road. An open mike will be available, and the family asks that you give them the gift of sharing a personal story about Rachel or writing down a remembrance that you would like them to have.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to The Genesee Land Trust https://www.geneseelandtrust.org/ or Seneca Park Zoo https://senecaparkzoo.org/donate/
In Rachel’s memory – Embrace kindness. Let go of negativity. Savor quiet time with a loved one, a walk in nature or a good book. Enjoy a fine Bourbon or a cold beer.
I knew Rachel through the aquatics scene in Rochester. She was so passionate about what she did, and cared about making a difference in her community. It is truly devastating to lose someone so young. May her kindness and generosity live on in the heart’s of those who knew her.
Rachel was a close friend through middle school and high school. She was always so positive and genuinely cared how your day was going. No matter how our time was being spent, be it long swim practices, bus rides to swim meets, or hanging out in the chorus room, Rachel always had a way of making everything seem exciting and fun. I deeply regret losing touch through college but I will always think of her with love in my heart. She was an amazing friend and beautiful soul.
Rachel and I had been friends since middle school, and she was one of the kindest, funniest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Her loss is devastating, and I will always hold our memories close to my heart. Sending all of my love and condolences to her and Colin’s families and loved ones.
Rachel and I were friends from summer camp back in the day, and had actively kept in touch throughout high school (and tried to check in on each other throughout our college years). I still look back fondly on memories of chatting with her via email and Facebook messenger for hours at a time (as part of my daily routine in high school), and meeting up for events over the years like Hilton school musicals and Apple Fest, and I still have held onto photos from our hangouts over the years. I was really sad that we fell out of touch… I am so sorry for your loss, she was a great friend and a wonderful person.
When I think of Rachel, the first thing that comes to mind will always be her smile. We became friends on the swim team (she was definitely a fish!) back in middle school or maybe even earlier. We were two quiet kids who found the freedom to be goofy together.
Rachel was driven when she put her mind to something, quick with a word of encouragement whenever someone needed it, and always, always kind. I regret losing touch over the years—thank you for writing such a touching obituary that let us see what a full, beautiful life she had.
I met Rachel in middle school and our friendship grew in high school together with our group of friends. I remember meeting in the square before class so we could all hang out for a minute between class. She always knew how to put a smile on your face or what to say to lift you up. She didn’t dwell on the negative, she was a welcome ray of sunshine on our cloudiest days. She was well known for being “the fish”. You almost always saw her with her cap around her person.
I invited her to a house party at my house to hang with us girls after the snow ball in high school and how much fun it was to dance and jam out and being silly in the living room just us girls. We tried to watch a scary movie but all of us got too creeped out and called it a night. I wish we kept in touch but after I left New York I lost all contact with my friends. This is a beautiful obituary and my heart goes out to her fiancé and family I am so very sorry for your loss.
Rachel thank you for the years of laughter and always being there when a friend needed you! Love you
Rachel was always smiling and I remember her reading a lot. She was also really encouraging to me on the swim team, especially when I was discouraged because I always felt like the slowest swimmer.
Though I haven’t seen her in years, I couldn’t believe someone as amazing as her was gone when I saw her obituary.
I wish her peace in the light.
Rachel was such a wonderful person. She will be missed dearly. Donations have been made in her honor to the Seneca Park Zoo and The Genesee Land Trust; Even now, she is still positively impacting others.