A Road to Jesus

Janna Schmidt was raised in Morristown, New Jersey. Born on August 8, 1945 to Jane and Mart Fossel. She is survived by her two brothers, Eric and Chris; her three sons, Andy, Paul, and Charlie; and her many grandchildren, Emma, Arianna, Mateo, Noah, and Nate.Her primary schooling was in Morristown and then at the private Gill School for Girls. At the Gill School, her greatest love was her Bible class that she studied for four years. In the school morning services she served as the school chaplain head. She loved this most of all.

Janna started as a member of the Lutheran Church. She loved the church and learned a great deal from her Pastor. With the blessing of her parents, she also attended a Baptist Church with Harriet, her beloved maid, and her loving husband Clifton. She was enlightened by both churches, however her Baptist church gave her the spiritual foundation and love of her beloved Savior, Jesus. In time she left the Lutheran Church and found a special loving spiritual home at Myrtle Baptist Church in Newton, Massachusetts.

At 19, Janna married William Schmidt in New Jersey at St. Mark Lutheran Church and moved to Chicago, where he was a graduate student at the University of Chicago. During this time, Janna became active at the Augustana Lutheran church working with inner city kids in the choir. It was here that she joined an inner-city movement to go door to door to minister to the poor. It was her love to serve people of this population, and she was met with open arms by the local community and the Black Stone Rangers, the largest teen gang in the United States. It was here in Chicago that Janna gave birth to her first son, Andy. Another favorite memory from this time was when she met Jesse Jackson, who shook her hand to thank her for her hard work.

After Chicago, Janna moved to New Mexico for a couple years and then relocated to Arlington Virginia, where Bill and Janna bought their first home together. It was here that Janna gave birth to her second son, Paul. Janna’s love for dance led her to become the vice president on the board of governors for Arlington Dance Theatre. She passionately sold tickets to raise money to have full use of the auditorium. Janna also tutored children with reading disabilities and was appointed to the Arlington school board to review their curriculum.

After Virginia, Janna and her family moved to Newton, Massachusetts. This is where she gave birth to her third son, Charlie. Janna studied to become a CNA and worked closely with her patients and their families in their homes. She spent her days caring for her patients, counseling their family members and creating special moments of love and joy for them all to remember forever. While in Massachusetts, Janna became quite active serving the Lord at Myrtle Baptist Church and it was here that she was baptized by Pastor Crowley. After retirement, Janna was diagnosed with two chronic diseases and moved to Newbridge on the Charles where she spent her remaining years. She continued to serve the Lord by nurturing the residents and helping them transition home to Jesus.

Though Janna lived a rich and wonderful life, her greatest joy was her family. The love and support of her children and grandchildren gave her strength and peace throughout her hardest days.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 3, 3:00 PM, in the Conservatory at NewBridge on the Charles, 7000 Great Meadow Road, Dedham.