Beverly Schmitt

Beverly Schmitt: mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, friend passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 16 surrounded by family. She taught us all to love and care for each other – and left only after she was assured that we understood the assignment. Bev was born in Marshalltown, Iowa on May 9, 1935 to Margaret Dillon Wolfe and Earl Russell Wolfe. Her early education was in many places as the family moved often because of her father’s work. She graduated from Coe College in 1957 and attended the University of Tennessee and subsequently taught in small schools in Iowa. She married Richard (Dick) Schmitt in 1961; and they began life teaching together in Julesburg, Colorado that year. Their daughter, Teresa and son, Rick were born in Julesburg. The family moved to Fort Collins, CO in 1968 when Dick became Assistant Principal at Poudre High School. Bev was widowed in 1976. As a single parent, she relied on her strengths instilled by her grandmother, Maude Dillon Walker, to do what had to be done with resolve and grace. Bev was an exemplary history and political science teacher, teaching at Fort Collins High School from 1972 to 1995. In 1987, she was an exchange teacher at the JFK International School in West Berlin, Germany, and returned to teach at the same school for two years after the wall fell. Bev retired from Fort Collins High School in 1995 and subsequently worked in the Education Department at Colorado State University training the next generation of teachers. Bev was honored for her excellence as an educator by significant awards. She was Colorado Teacher of the Year runner-up in 1990 and received the Poudre School District Distinguished Educator award in 1995. Committed to good government, Bev worked in many state and local campaigns. She helped create a women’s political group impacting the electoral landscape of Northern Colorado for past two decades. Through her activism, she modelled the best of a dedicated citizen, inspiring those around her to fight for a just and better world. Bev married Bob Bacon in 2003. Together they formed a partnership that took them to Denver, while Bob served a State Representative and State Senator. Bob’s legislative work was complimented by Bev’s advocacy work. Through their friendships and work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, they advanced many progressive ideals that changed the landscape of Colorado. In addition, they travelled the world together. From Australia and Europe, to the far reaches Russia and Africa. Their shared love of art, theatre and experiencing other cultures led to many great friendships. Her travels always brought her back to see her family in Maine and Michigan and to Fort Collins and her steadfast group of friends, sharing a walk on the trail, discussing local and national issues, a game of cards, or a night of trivia. She is survived by her children Teresa Schmitt Pierce (Sam) of Falmouth, ME, and Rick Schmitt, (Jennie) of Frankfort, MI, and her grandchildren, Meg Pierce, Spencer Pierce, Bennett Schmitt and Cecelia Schmitt. She is also survived by her husband, Bob Bacon, his daughter, Beth Bacon (Jason Freihage) of Washington, DC, and children, Ella and Caleb Freihage and her brother Jim Wolfe (KJ) of Bend, OR and nephew, Eric and nieces, Jami and Kirsti. A memorial service/celebration of life will be held at the Foothills Unitarian Church on Saturday, May 4th at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bev can be made to Foothills Unitarian Church (foothillsuu.org/bev). Larimer County Food Bank or Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains.

Beverly Schmitt

April 14, 2024