R. Marilyn Schmidt

R. Marilyn Schmidt passed away peacefully on February 26, 2019, just shy of her 90th birthday. She was born in East Brunswick, NJ, the daughter of John Edward and Mary Elizabeth ‘Mae ‘ (Warnsdorfer) Schmidt. She was an alumnus of Heidelberg College, earning a BS in Biology and Chemistry, did graduate work at Rutgers University, and worked for many years in the pharmaceutical industry, rising to an executive level. She was also a certified Master Gardener, an accomplished artist, and an excellent cook. Ever the entrepreneur, her career spanned pharmacology and biochemistry, technical and ghost writing, real estate, tax assessment, historic restoration, publishing and retail. Marilyn co-authored the Harper’s Handbook of Therapeutic Pharmacology, and authored nearly 70 books and booklets covering cooking, regional gardening, and guides of nearby areas. While living in Barnegat Light, she started her own publishing company, Barnegat Light Press, and was active in the Jersey shore community. In 1998, she purchased the former Buzby’s General Store in Chatsworth, restoring it to a place on the New Jersey and National Registries of Historic Places, and hosting a café and gift shop featuring cranberries, blueberries, and items made in, or about the Pines. Marilyn founded Pine Barrens Press, and became known as an ambassador for the Pine Barrens, and a key resource for the history and lore of the area. She donated her extensive collection of historic documents and photos to Stockton University. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, John Edward ‘Ed,’ of Pittsburgh, PA, his wife, Betty Lou (Parr), and nephews, William ‘Bill’ E. of Gibsonia, PA, and Stephen E. of Pittsburgh, PA. Surviving are her nieces, Elizabeth ‘Beth’ S. Porter (John) of Pittsburgh, PA, Barbara L. Shultz (Glenn) of Springfield, TN, niece-in-law Linda E. Schmidt of Gibsonia, PA, and great-nieces and -nephew, Taylor Alley (John), Madison Shultz, Sarah Porter, and Stephen Porter. She will be greatly missed by extended family, friends too numerous to count, and her faithful companion, Lady Cat. She was blessed with many wonderful friends who provided invaluable help to her in her final years, among them Diane and Tim, Bonnie and Joe,Linda and Jim, Griff and Robyn, Albert, Lloyd Family Transport, and many, many more. The family extends its heartfelt thanks for the support of her many friends.At her expressed wish, there will be no visitation or service. Donations in Marilyn’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice, remembering her love of the Pine Barrens, shore gardening, and cats.

R. Marilyn Schmidt

March 2, 1929 - February 26, 2019