After a love filled life, Cindy passed peacefully at home and was given her angel wings.  She was able to spend her final days with her immediate family who she devoted her life to.  Cindy impacted so many people throughout her memorable life.  In her last act of giving, she was an inspiration for many for the courage she showed battling disease.

Cindy had many passions, but first and foremost was her family.  Once you knew her, you became family to her.  Nothing made her happier than a houseful of her children and their friends.  There aren't many who grew up in Fox Lake during the 80s and 90s who came across her who don't have a story to tell about her love and kindness.  Many still consider her to be a second mom.

Another one of her passions was being there for those who served our country as a military daughter, sister, and mother.  She adopted units and organized care packages, tribute concerts, and making sure lost service people had flags, wreaths and flowers on their graves to name a few ways she gave of herself.

In her own way, she became family to those serving, those who had served, and being part of support networks for their families. She has strong connections with Fort Campbell, the Lieutenant Dan Band, Military Moms, and the Band of Brothers.  She was family to many currents and aging veterans their families outside of events.  She was nominated by our congressman for person of the year, but she didn't do it for recognition, she did it because she had a deep love of taking care of others.

Her network of friends grew whenever she encountered anyone new, she never met a stranger.  Her caring for others and laughter was infectious and is the reason so many people love her.  Her passion with photography was an avenue to document all of the people and things she found beautiful in life.  She was a beautiful person and will be missed by many.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years Donny Schmit; daughter, Harmony (Brian) Melton; sons, Dusty and Taylor Schmit; grandchildren, Shyanne, Jacob, Sadie, Brian Quentin, Hannah, Jimmy, Lia, and Clara; her brothers, Joseph Abbott and Rick Farris; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by a child and two grandchildren who died prior to birth; her mother and father, Arlene and Bob Abbott; and her brothers Bobby and Danny.

A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of the Lakes-St. Bede's Church, 36455 N. Wilson Rd., Ingleside, Illinois on Tuesday, December 27, at  10:00 a.m.

A celebration of life will be held at Maravela's, 4 Washington St., Ingleside, Illinois on Saturday, January 28, at 4:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fisher House Foundation.