Patricia ‘Peppy’ Schmidt Theodore 1933-2024

She was born May 16, 1933, in Youngstown, to June Newman Schmidt and Carl “Jack” Schmidt, who lovingly gave her the nickname “Peppy” at birth. Her father, Jack, instilled in her a love for golf.

Peppy’s prowess on the golf course was evident at Salem Golf Club in Salem, where she proudly held the title of two-time nine-hole club champion. She also was a member of The Oaks, in Osprey, Florida, where she enjoyed playing golf and having dinner with friends and family. Those who knew Peppy knew she was a “doer” and worked hard to make things happen.

Peppy lived most of her adult life in Canfield and loved supporting the community in many ways. This was reflected in her role as a charter member of the Canfield Junior Women’s League. While a member of JWL, she played an instrumental role in starting the beloved 4th of July parade tradition in Canfield. In addition, she loved spending summers at the Canfield Swim Club and supporting the swim team, both in the summer and winter. She loved the water and spent many happy hours at the pool.

Peppy was a 1951 graduate of Boardman High School and held a bachelor’s degree in education from Northwestern University. She taught fifth grade in the Boardman, Canfield and Youngstown school systems. She loved being a teacher and her students, with whom she joyfully remained close to throughout her life.

As a proud member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority at Northwestern, Peppy’s leadership shone brightly as she served as pep commissioner and was honored to be inducted as a member of the May court.

Later, she embarked on a new adventure alongside her husband helping to steer his company, Western Reserve Metals, to success.

Peppy also loved to explore and was lucky to travel extensively with her husband throughout Europe and the Caribbean, yet she loved home and her heart was always in Canfield, Siesta Key and Sarasota.

Always a sports fan, Peppy’s allegiance to her Ohio State Buckeyes and Northwestern Wildcats was unwavering. She later became an avid Tampa Bay Lightning fan, cheering them on with passion and pride.

Her adventurous spirit also led her to the Vegas and Biloxi casinos, where she could often be found pulling the one-arm bandits into the wee hours of the night.

Peppy is survived by her husband of 67 years, William “Bill” Theodore; sons, Dr. William Kurt Theodore and Tod Theodore; and daughter, Tracy (Tom) Theodore Merry.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Carlyn (Harry “Bud”) Barmeier; and her brother, Jack Schmidt, who is survived by his wife, Gail Schmidt. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Peppy will be laid to rest in Canfield Village Cemetery, in the town that she loved so much.

A celebration of Peppy’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 550 North Broad St., Canfield. Friends call 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday, at the church, prior to the service. As a charter member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Peppy’s faith guided her throughout her life. Her dedication to the church was steadfast.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Lord of Life Lutheran Church, in memory of Patricia “Peppy” Theodore.

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