Frances M. (Moyer) Schmidt

Frances M. Schmidt, 89, a former life-long resident of Perkasie and renowned local artist, passed away Wednesday, April 2, at her residence in Brittany Pointe Estates in Lansdale. She was the beloved wife of the late Francis W. “Gus” Schmidt, who died in 1997, to whom she was married for 56 years.

Born in Silverdale, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Della (Long) Moyer.

During high school Fran began studying art with famous Bucks County Impressionist and Sellersville resident, Walter Emerson Baum. He would serve as her mentor and influence her style for many years.

After graduation from Sell-Perk High School, she studied art at the Philadelphia Museum School.

Later, Joseph Meierhans, a New York artist of note, would become a personal friend, especially during his residence in Perkasie.

Fran taught art classes at Sell-Perk High School during World War II. She also conducted ceramic and art therapy classes for wounded soldiers and veterans at Valley Forge Veterans Hospital during this period.

In the 1950’s she traveled throughout the Pennridge School District instructing students in the remaining one-room schoolhouses. She also taught junior high art classes in the Quakertown School District in the late 1950’s through the early 1970’s.

Fran provided private instruction and summer art classes in her home until her retirement in the mid-1970’s.

She was a life-long member of St. Andrew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Perkasie, where she had served on Church Council, sung in the Funeral Choir, taught Sunday School, served as a lector, and aided in the decoration of the new church, including the stained glass windows design.

Mrs. Schmidt was a member of both the Lansdale Art League and the Doylestown Art League.

She lived and loved life, like Broadway’s “Auntie Mame,” and, ever the true artist, relished introducing others to the world of artistic endeavors. A woman of great style, charm and talent, Fran influenced several generations of budding artists.

She loved playing bridge and enjoyed bridge club friendships that dated back to her high school years. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, whose family was her greatest joy.

Mrs. Schmidt is survived by her two daughters: Susan Hartman, Emmaus; Jennifer Spear and her husband, Dr. W. Vernon Spear, Bedminster; grandchildren: Samantha Pasquale Brannon and her husband, Tad, Perkasie; Trey Spear, Georgetown, Washington D. C.; a great-grandson, Cooper T. Brannon, Perkasie; and a sister: Lucille Nice and her husband, Royden P., Palmyra, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Roscoe P. Moyer, and a sister, Florence M. Hackett.

A Memorial Service in celebration of Fran’s life will be held Friday evening, April 11 at 7:00 PM in St. Andrew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dill Avenue and Chestnut Street, Perkasie.

Friends are invited to contribute remembrances and stories to Fran’s family at franschmidt90@yahoo.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Fran’s memory to St. Andrew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, PO Box 257, Perkasie, PA 18944.