Gloria Mae Schmitt

Gloria Mae Schmitt, 79, formerly of New Freedom, PA, a 43-year resident of Lewisburg, PA, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025. She was the wife of Harry Richard Schmitt with whom she shared 55 years of marriage.  Gloria was born on April 19, 1945, in York, PA. She was the daughter of the late Charles Alfred and Amanda Lucille (Young) Parrish.

Gloria was raised on her parent’s dairy farm on the Old Trail in New Freedom. In 1963 she was recognized as a Miss Milk Maid (Dairy Princess) by the PA Association of Milk Dealers and Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association.  She graduated from Susquehannock High School in 1963, then received her undergraduate degree from Millersville University. She later completed her Master's Degree at Western Maryland College. Gloria worked as an elementary school teacher and reading specialist, teaching in York and Lycoming Counties during her career. She enjoyed spending time in the mountains of Wellsboro and at her home in Lewisburg. She was a former member of Maryland Line United Methodist Church and longtime member of Niles Valley United Methodist Church. She also was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Canada and researching her family's genealogy.

Gloria is survived by her husband Harry; daughter, Suzanne Peeler (Raymond); two grandchildren Alexander and Julia Peeler all of Fairfax, VA; sister, Charlotte A. Shaver (Ralph II); brother Charles A. Parrish II (Donna); and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 11:30 -12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., 24 Second St., New Freedom, PA. The service and burial (New Freedom Cemetery) will immediately follow the visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to Niles Valley United Methodist Church; 10991 PA-287, Wellsboro, PA 16901.