Geraldine "Gerry" Kendall Schmitt Chiapusio, 1929-2012. Gerry Kendall Schmitt Chiapusio passed away suddenly March 25, 2012, at a skilled nursing facility near Seal Beach, Calif. Gerry broke her ankle on March 9, 2012, and was receiving physical therapy at the facility at the time of her death. Gerry was born on June 28, 1929, to Harry and Anna Kendall in Pueblo, Colo., where she grew up. She met the love of her life, Eddie L Schmitt, and they were married Sept. 23, 1947. Eddie built a small one-bedroom house for them to live in. On Oct. 16, 1948, their son, Edward H. Schmitt, was born. They became known as "Big Eddie and Little Eddie." On March 12, 1953, their daughter, Leslee A. Schmitt, was born. Together, they worked hard. Gerry was an LPN at the Colorado State Hospital for 18 years. They had a wonderful life until April 16, 1966. At the age of 39, Big Eddie suddenly passed away of a heart attack. Devastated by Eddie's death, Gerry and Leslee moved to Southern California to be with Gerry's younger sister, Harriet, in an attempt to start a new life. Little Eddie stayed in Pueblo and married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Hagar. After moving to California, Gerry worked at Deluxe Check Printers for many years. There she met Albert Chiapusio and they later married in 1978. They spent many years traveling across the country, seeing all the sights, visiting friends and relatives. Albert passed away in 1997. Gerry moved to Leisure World in Seal Beach, Calif., with her sister, Anna Spies. They lived a fun-filled life together until Anna's death on Feb. 5, 2012. Gerry was preceded in death by her mother, father and sisters, Elizabeth Rozboril and Anna Spies. She is survived by her sister, Harriet Nix; son, Edward (Phyllis) Schmitt; daughter, Leslee (Waide) Woodland; three grandchildren, Kenneth Schmitt and Kristie Berg of Livermore, Calif., and Shandi Asher of Meridian, Idaho; six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Gerry never knew a stranger and always brought a smile to everyone's face with her great sense of humor. There was rarely any doubt about what she thought or felt about anyone. Gerry was a genuine and caring person who will be deeply missed by all. Gerry has returned home to the side of her beloved Eddie. Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 19, 2012, at Roselawn Cemetery in Pueblo, Colo.
Pueblo Chieftain Sun July 15 2012