Nancy L. "Marie" Schmidt

Marie (Nancy) Schmidt, 75, of Brockton, passed away after a brief illness on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

Marie is survived by her husband of 49 years, Paul Fernandes of Brockton; her sister, Laura Schmidt of Brockton; and her daughter, Jessica Mullins of Brockton, whom Marie and Paul raised from the age of seven. She is also survived by nieces Heather Renc and her husband Robert of NC, Jennifer Lavoie and her husband Chris of NC, Abbey Peterson and her fiancé Patrick of Attleboro, and great-nieces, Savannah Lavoie of Brockton, Faith Lavoie-Hainey of NC, Tessa Peterson of Attleboro, Emerson Cushing of Attleboro, and great-nephew, Christopher Lavoie of NC. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Theoloo Schmidt, and her sisters, George Ann Clegg and Carol Mullins.

Marie was a major force of nature that touched so many lives. She was the greatest champion of those she loved, and we all knew we never stood alone. She had the rare ability to love completely regardless of how you came to be in her circle. She was dedicated to helping others in need, even though many never knew her name. Each winter she would prepare her “blessing bags” filled with a blanket, socks, gloves, hats, hand warmers, and a Dunkin gift card to hand out to anyone she came across in need. She always said, “I can’t fix the problem, but I can help one person have a hot coffee and some time out of the cold.” Only her family knew she did this each winter.

She showed the same kindness to the many “not my kitty” feral cats she fed and, when possible, found homes for; and those who wanted to remain free, she made sure they had food and a warm, dry place to rest.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 11:00am to 1:00 pm, with a funeral service beginning at 1:00 pm, at the Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 165 Belmont Street (Rte. 123) Brockton, followed by a luncheon for family and friends to celebrate and remember the amazing gift Marie was. Burial will be on Monday, November 16, 2026 at 1:30 pm, at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Marie’s honor to the MSPCA Angell via their website, mspca.org