Longtime community activist, Alfreda Schmidt passes away at the age of 97
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Lansing lost a community icon when Alfreda Schmidt, better known as “The Lady with the hat,” passed away at Sparrow Hospital Sunday night due to complications from a stroke, according to her family.
Alfreda grew up on the family farm in Dansville, where she learned the value of hard work.
As a community advocate, she worked tirelessly for more than a decade on the Lansing City Council representing the southside. The community center there is named in her honor.
One of Alfreda‘s biggest accomplishments was the Hawk Island community-built playground.
In 2004, she was the driving force behind raising hundreds of thousands of dollars and organizing 2000 volunteers over seven days.
She also had a huge heart for veterans.
Just last month she wrapped up a fundraising effort to secure a sign that reads, “Little Arlington” at the entrance of the Veterans Memorial Plot in Lansing’s Evergreen Cemetery.
Her mantra was to never do anything alone, and to do the right thing you must do what’s helpful to others.
“Alfreda Schmidt was the embodiment of a servant. She lived an incredible life and dedicated so much of it to making Lansing a better place to live. Alfreda loved Lansing, especially our veterans, and because of that, so many loved her. We will all miss her warmth, kindness, and her spirit. Alfreda was not only a good friend to the city, but she was a good friend to me. From my days as a county commissioner to my time in the legislature, and now as Mayor, she was always very helpful and supportive. As recently as my State of the City speech one month ago, Alfreda continued to show up and be involved. And her legacy will continue with the Capital City Film Festival film about her work with veterans that will be shown this Thursday. In a recent conversation she told me that someday she would be reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband. I know they are together for eternity now. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers as they remember and honor the life of the amazing Alfreda Schmidt.”
Andy Schor, Lansing Mayor
Alfreda Schmidt was 97. Funeral arrangements are pending.
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