John Bligh
- Teacher
- PS 333, the Bronx
“Her generosity knew no bounds.”
That’s how Chapter Leader Stephanie Sangosse summed up Fatima Schmidt, a 4th-grade teacher at PS 333 in the Hunt’s Point section of the Bronx.
Fatima would buy dresses, shoes, ribbons and bow ties for students in the school’s ballroom dancing competition and pumpkins for each student in the school to decorate. And, added Sangosse, she enjoyed decorating her own pumpkin just as much as the students did!
Fatima was a UFT member for 18 years, 12 of them in her current school building. She died of coronavirus on April 13 at age 57.
Fatima worked well beyond school hours to ensure her students had the very best education, volunteering to chaperone them on trips and working in after-school programs. She welcomed new students to the school. In particular, she took students who didn’t speak English under her wing and helped them flourish.
“She fought hard for her students, and that unmatched passion was at the center of who she was,” Sangosse said.
Fatima loved to collaborate with staff and was always willing to share and eager to support colleagues. Coworkers felt free to talk to her about issues in their classrooms or their personal lives. Illustrating the bonds that Fatima formed with people, former coworkers kept in touch with her for years.
“Her empathy and kindness stood out and touched all who knew her, whether it was for a few weeks or for years,” Sangosse said.
A wonderful cook, Fatima shared Dominican specialties, including habichuelas con dulce, with her PS 333 colleagues.
In her free time, Fatima loved traveling as well as hosting cookouts and barbecues with her family. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting quilts. She was renowned for putting together amazing gift baskets for special occasions.
Fatima is survived by her husband John, daughter Karin and son Johann; her sisters Marisol, Joanny, Maria and Yisell, her brother-in-law Victor and sister-in-law Maria; her nephews Jael and Nikki and nieces Victoria and Sophia; her parents Victor and Maria; and her grandmother Lidia.
Condolences may be sent to:
Web: https://everloved.com/life-of/fatima-schmidt/
Email: rememberingfatimaschmidt@gmail.com
i really didnt know much about Ms. Schmidt but i know she was a great teacher and cared about all of us. I didnt know about this until now and it really hurts me that she passed away she was always a very helpful teacher she helped so much and she was there for everyone. We will truly miss you Ms. schmidt<3 rest in peace
Ms Schmidt was a very great teacher she loved her students if she was hard on them it was because she cared she made us strong for the better.I remember the last time I saw her i was waiting in the office for my guardian to pick me up and there she was asking me how 5th grade is.She always ask how all her old students were doing.Ms Schmidt I want you to know that 6th grade is treating me well am passing in all my classes and am in honors for math.I just wanna say thank you for pushing me to do great.We all Ms you Ms Schmidt! Rest peacefully Fatima Schmidt
Rest in peace Ms schimidt we will Miss you i saw you tho but i found this and says you died i was shocked! But rest in peace
Fatima Schmidt was a nature lover like me. She would come to my classroom and we would talk about our travels, our love of nature, and how she wanted to tap into her maple tree and try to get syrup. She would always bring me specimens to use in my science class that she would find in her yard. I remember she brought me this beautiful dragonfly that had landed on tree and died. It was frozen in time. The awe and wonder on students faces when they got to observe this dragonfly so closely was golden. Whenever see this amazing dragonfly, I think about her and the light she brought to peoples lives. She will be missed.
Mrs. Schmidt was caring and dedicated to her students. When I came into her room as a sub ASL interpreter, she welcomed me with a big smile and made me feel comfortable. I only knew her for a brief time, but could see that she went above and beyond to meet her students’ needs. She took the time to provide extra help and support to those that needed it, while still treating every student equally. She encouraged her students to work hard and be independent. Mrs. Schmidt will be greatly missed by all of the lives she touched. My thoughts are prayers are with her family.
Words cannot express the loss we all feel at PS333. When I first met Mrs. Schmidt, I saw a quiet person who was a strong teacher. Then my daughter came with us on a school trip to see the movie Wonder. That’s when Mrs. Schmidt opened up like a flower. She had a conversation with my daughter and it was so sweet to hear their exchange. We bonded over Girl Scout cookies that my daughter was selling and she told me her daughter used to be in Girl Scouts too. My last interaction with her was giving her the Girl Scout cookies that she bought in support of my daughter’s troop. She will be sorely missed.
Fatima was truly an amazing person! She was one of the sweetest most caring people I’ve met while working at PS 335! I am so glad I met you Schmidt! You will never lose a place in my heart! You cared so much, and it showed! ALWAYS making sure I knew how much you missed our friendship and asking me how I was doing!
I will miss you dearly and I will Never forget you my dear friend!
My experience with Mrs. Schmidt was a short one, in which I experienced but a glimpse of the dedicated educator she was for the PS 333 community. I met Mrs. Schmidt during the 19-20 school year. She showed a dedication to her craft as an educator through her wonderings in meetings and planning for her students. Her colleagues have shared memories that show how she enjoyed being a teacher and making a positive impact in the life of her students and colleagues. Thank you for being a dedicated educator, colleague, and friend. May your family and friends find comfort knowing you touched and made an impact in the lives of many. May you rest in peace.
I remember when Mrs Schmidt started at 335 she had this passion for her students and their educational success, she continued with the same passion into PS 333. She didn’t mind calling parents to inform them of the good and the not so good. In life we cared for you dearly and in death we feel the same. You left us with some beautiful memories that we will always keep in our hearts. Rest In Peace
Ms. Schmidt loves her kids! She really cared about her students. She was a friend to all who needed her. This is a monumental loss for staff and students and she will truly be missed by the Ps community.
My experience with Mrs. Schmidt was a short one, in which I experienced but a glimpse of the dedicated educator she was for the PS 333 community. I met Mrs. Schmidt during the 19-20 school year. She showed a dedication to her craft as an educator through her wonderings in meetings and planning for her students. Her colleagues have shared memories that show how she enjoyed being a teacher and making a positive impact in the life of her students and colleagues. Thank you for being a dedicated educator, colleague, and friend. May your family and friends find comfort knowing you touched and made an impact in the lives of many. May you rest in peace.
I had the honor of working with Ms. Schmidt at P.S. 333. During my time with her she always demonstrated a fierce passion for teaching and learning. She frequently dedicated her time to her students whether by meeting with her colleagues to plan for upcoming lessons, staying after school to make sure her laptops were ready for the next day, or even staying to prepare for and chaperone a school event. You could always count on her for extra support (in any form) for the students in the P.S. 333 school community. Ms. Schmidt cared deeply about her students and most importantly their learning. What I will remember about Ms. Schmidt is her smile and hardwork and steadfast dedication to her students’ education. She will be deeply missed by all.
I had the honor of working with Ms. Schmidt at P.S. 333. During my time with her she always demonstrated a fierce passion for teaching and learning. She frequently dedicated her time to her students whether by meeting with her colleagues to plan for upcoming lessons, staying after school to make sure her laptops were ready for the next day, or even staying to prepare for and chaperone a school event. You could always count on her for extra support (in any form) for the students in the P.S. 333 school community. Ms. Schmidt cared deeply about her students and most importantly their learning. What I will remember about Ms. Schmidt is her smile and hardwork and steadfast dedication to her students’ education. She will be deeply missed by all. Heather Ryan There’s a saying that goes “You don’t know what you have until you lose it.” PS 333 has suffered a great loss. I’ve worked with Ms. Schmidt for the last 3 years. She was my next door neighbor at the school. I saw her arrive early each day and leave well after everyone had gone for the day. I heard her passionate speeches to her students and “tough love” approach to many. I listened as she offered support to her colleagues and laughed or cried with them. She was loved by many and was fueled with this strong-willed determination to show her students that failure was not an option. She had low tolerance for misbehavior and made it clear what her expectations were. In a world where anything goes, Ms. Schmidt made sure that was not the case in her classroom. She will truly be missed. Rest in Peace Ms. Schmidt.
This was the first year I got to know Mrs. Schmidt being part of the fourth grade team. She taught me a lot about lessons and it was amazing to have such a great team who helped each other so much! She also had three of my students for mainstream who loved learning ELA and Math with her. Thank you Mrs. Schmidt for being someone to talk to when we were stressed out and for the short talk walking up and down the stairs in the school building.
Ms. Schmidt you were a great teacher, coworker. I met you when you were on ps335, always dedicated to your students with a lot of love. When you joined our school I got to know you more. A beautiful person. I will never forget in the morning, you always brought me something, so that my companions and I could have breakfast but what I will never forget and miss your hugs that you always gave me in the morning.
Ms. Schmidt was a lovely person and dedicated teacher. One of our best conversations was sharing about our children. She expressed how proud she was of her children, and the glow on her face confirmed it all.
When someone we love dies, there is no way to avoid sadness and have an emptiness in the heart, and even more so if she was an excellent professional and friend. Knowing that you will not return to your students whom you loved as if they were your children always with respect and love. You will always have a place in my heart with affection and admiration, but we have the peace and comfort that we already have with our heavenly father.
I do not have the words to express everything that Mrs.Schmidt meant in my life, an extraordinary human being, a great tireless working woman, an excellent teacher and friend. God has you in a good place. Thank you for all the love you gave me and my family. I will always remember you with your beautiful smile, I love you forever and see you later.
was very lucky to have met Ms. Schmidt when I first began as a ULIT coach at PS 333. We worked together in afterschool for the past few years, and her dedication to the students was unparalleled. She was always prepared for them whether it was a group of 6 students or a group of 30. She will be missed by us all but I will miss her with the lights low across the hall, teaching her students. Thank you for allowing me to work alongside you Schmidt.
Fatima meant so much to me. I will miss her immensely!! I will miss our conversations, her advice, her love, and her encouragement. Most of all, the hugs we gave each other in the morning and how she would always say to me have a good morning and I am always here for you. I will truly miss the beautiful person she was. Always ready to help and listen. Fatima was a giver and now she is with God. We love you, Fatima, forever.
Ms. Schmidt was truly an extraordinary woman! She always put others before herself and made it a point to be that reassuring ‘ear’ when we needed it the most. She supported so many students and teachers throughout good times and bad. I am truly indebted to Ms. Schmidt for the love and moral support she offered. Ms. Schmidt thank you. We miss you.
Where do I start? Mrs. Schmidt was an inspiration to her students, coworkers and family. She never let the trials and tribulations of this job get to her. She came into 333 wanting to touch the lives of her students and she did just that. When I joined the fourth grade team in 2019 she quickly became a mentor offering advice and strategies to engage my students. Mrs. Schmidt was an exceptional educator, loving mother and friend. I’m going to miss our daily lunch breaks. She was always willing to share whatever she had and had the best snacks. On days when I felt like throwing in the towel she was there with my co-teacher telling me to hold on, it will get better. I’m going to miss her smile and just walking by her room asking her if she needed me to cover her class so she could use the restroom. This is going to be tough but I know she’ll forever be by the side of her students, colleagues and family. Sleep in Peace Mrs. Fatima Schmidt.
Fatima was a passionate teacher and colleague to all. She was always encouraging her students to be more. She was always ready to support anyone in need. You will be missed.
Ms Schmidt was not only a caring, dedicated teacher and colleague who loved her students, but she was also a true friend. I will forever miss my friend, my neighbor, my co teacher..,her warm smile and memories will live on in my heart.
Fourth grade will not be the same without you my friend, PS 333 will not be the same either, I love you and miss you , Fatima Schmidt.
I will always remember Ms. Schmidt as a kind person and a great teacher. She cared so much about her students, always ready to help, and always spoke her mind. We will all miss her.
Ms. Schmidt was a truly kind and caring individual.
I will forever miss having her to share our commuting adventures with. Ms. Schmidt was a giving soul who always had an extra banana or orange to share if you ever needed anything. My heart breaks for her as well as her family. Her kind spirit and presence in our school community will be felt and missed for many years to come. Ms. Schmidt, our community, and of course Costco will always miss you!
Ms. Schmidt was truly a kind and remarkable teacher. She would always have some kind words, support, and great advice to brighten the day. She loves her students and enjoyed taking them on field trips where she provided them with real life experiences. I’m thankful and grateful to have known Ms. Schmidt. We will miss her.
I will always remember Fatima’s kindness especially as we commuted together to score the Math State exam. She always bought me my favorite drink without me asking and she would say, “Here is your favorite drink so you don’t get tired.” She always spoke highly of her family! I will always be grateful for her friendship and dedication to our ELLs!
Ms. Schmidt was a person that was so full of life. She truly cared for her students. It is so hard to believe. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Fatima always found the time to stop by my classroom or by the staircase and chat with me for a moment. I will miss those small, but significant moments
Ms. Schmidt will be so very missed not only as a colleague and educator, but as a friend and supporter. As a teacher, I easily saw how much she wanted her students to succeed and be their best. I also saw how she would go above and beyond to try to get help for a student who needed more than she could provide in the classroom. Ms. Schmidt also made me feel valued as a professional and that always meant so very much to me. My heart goes out to her family and may they know the love and loss we feel here, where she dedicated so much of her time. Her big smile will sorely be missed.
Ms. Fatima Schmidt was a genuine , humble and outgoing person . She exuded a positive energy to those who surrounded her. She would go out of her way to help or support others. She will be truly missed.
Ms. Schmidt was always a kind and caring woman. She loved her kids and would always smile and say hello in the stairwell or say hello while waiting with her class in the hall near our door. She will be missed each and every day
I was very fortunate to be able to work and collaborate with Ms. Schmidt. We always had a positive rapport with each other. She was an incredible educator who made learning REAL for her students, which prepared them for their FUTURES. Ms. Schmidt knew what was RIGHT for her students! Her students knew her firm, yet fair expectations and aimed to comply and achieve. Her tough love for her students was transparent. They knew she CARED! Thank you, Ms. Schmidt for supporting the Spoons Across America 5th Grade Dinner Parties! Ms. Schmidt was always working for the betterment of her students. I loved your fourth grade students last year, even though a few of them drove me mad. It was enjoyable partaking in field days with you and your students. Ms. Schmidt showed genuine care and concern for her colleagues. She went the extra mile to support faculty and staff. Lastly, I was so glad to be able to converse with you in early February at a small gathering in a restaurant. It was a calm time without any interruptions for you and I to catch up. Very Special Time, Ms. Schmidt! I will miss you and always fondly remember you. Thank you for always bringing a smile to my face and showing appreciation. You will be missed by your colleagues, students, and families. Room 406 should always be known as Ms. Schmidt’s Memorable Classroom!
Mrs. Schmidt was a great friend and colleague. Generosity and kindness are words that come to mind when thinking about Schmidt. As a teacher she was exceptional. Always going the extra mile for her students. As a colleague she was generous and supportive. She was someone you could count on, no ego here. She was not afraid to speak up and I truly admired her for that. And as a friend, well, here is the most painful part. Schmidt was one of a kind. Reading all these touching stories only reaffirms what many of us knew about Schmidt. A compassionate soul, who saved kittens and offered food to her colleagues in the morning. She was there when people needed her the most. I feel honored and lucky to have met you. I love you and I miss you. Thank you for your friendship Schmidt.
I’ll never forget Schmidt…no one in all my years as an educator has ever shown such unbridled passion for the good of her kids. She fought for them no matter what and was always their advocate. She stood by her beliefs and the kids felt loved because of that. She was kind and considerate and was always someone you could rely on at any time. She made me laugh, cry, feel happy…and even pushed my buttons sometimes. (those sweatshirt battles…) but I loved her and loved working alongside her! Those of us who have been her colleagues are truly lucky for having known her
Fatima will truly be missed. She will be remembered for her big smile and even bigger heart. She holds a very special place in my heart. Although we are not too far in age she was like a second mother to me. She would always make sure I was fed and would always bring me goodies. Everyone called her my work husband because she would always share her meals with me (even though I had food). We both loved our sweets and she introduced me to many new Dominican ones. Whenever she would clean out her classroom she would offer me tons of things (and others would yell at me for accepting because they said I had too much). We taught together for many years and planning with her always made my job less stressful and more enjoyable. She was always someone I could talk to and depend on whether it was work related or personal. When setting up my classroom in August it would look like a tornado hit it and without me asking Schmidt would come help until we were forced to leave. We have shared so many good times and met each others’ family and I honestly feel like she has always been a part of mine. We’ve screamed together, cried together, laughed together and most importantly smiled together. We have been through so much and it made my journey as a teacher and adult much easier. When I moved into my first apartment she brought in lots of things for me to decorate it with. I will now cherish those things forever. I am so grateful to have known her and that she was part of my life. I could keep going because she is someone who is easy to brag about, but it makes me sad to do that under these circumstances. It really is an honor to have known her and I am so happy that she was part of my life. I love you and you will always be missed and remembered.
Fatima became an instant part of the Barron Family shortly after meeting. From our Chanukah gatherings, late nights out, fall winery tours and apple picking to our summer BBQs, weddings, baby showers and 1st birthdays, she has never missed a special occasion. Whenever we needed help she was the person to count on. We didn’t even need to ask, she would just show up, and tell us how it all needed to be done. Painting Jaime’s apartment together, lugging appliances in and out of our home, cleaning out our classrooms…these are just some of the crazy tasks she helped us with. We will always keep her in our hearts. She wasn’t just a colleague she was a true friend…family. We love you Fatima “Schmidt” and will miss you more than you can ever know.
Schmidty, as she was known to many was a good friend. She was a wonderful mother to Johann and Karin and a great wife to John. She was a dedicated teacher who loved teaching math. She was looking forward to retiring in about two years and maybe moving to Florida. We talked about being neighbors, vacationing and growing old together. I will miss you so much my friend
Schmidty will be truly missed. She was a great friend that showed her students and colleagues tough love because she wanted the best for everyone in life. We love you and will miss you dearly
Fatima went out of her way to support her students and coworkers. She’s dealt with many challenges and changes at our schools with dignity and respect. She will be greatly missed out only by the staff but the children as well.
I scored exams for many years with Fatima. She was always so kind and wonderful to work with. She was the one at the table I would always ask her to backread or check a score I gave when I needed another opinion. She was always advocating for students!