Veda “Jean” Schimmel, 87, of Virginia Beach, passed away on July 24, 2023 at home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on August 17, 1935 in Norwood, Ohio. She was a proud graduate of Oceana High School in Virginia Beach. She was predeceased by her husband, George W. Schimmel and her son, Thomas W. Swindell, Jr. She is survived by her sister, Robin; her children, Cynthia, Mark (Ann), Michael., Sr., Michael G. and Jill; grandchildren, Michael, Jr. (Sarah), Steven (Jewel), Adam (Kelly), Ryan (Grace) and Stephanie. She is also survived by her beloved grand fur babies, Holly, Jack, Zoey, Tyson, Luna, and Lucy.
Jean had many interests, she was always at work on a project, whether it was sewing and knitting for her church and her family or donating her time and skills creating special projects for those she loved and those in need. She loved her garden, feeding her birds, and had a special love of collecting dolls. She enjoyed collecting and showing her dolls while traveling to conventions each year and looked forward to her monthly luncheons with her local doll club friends.
She loved traveling, spending time with her family and her friends, especially her close friends, Alda and Marsha. She looked forward to their trips each year to the Outer Banks, shopping, eating great food and just spending time together. She was not one to remain idle and had numerous friends she adored and kept in contact with throughout the years.
Jean loved her family fiercely and the Lord as well. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas and everyone knew there were no excuses for missing her famous Christmas Eve dinner with her special lasagna dinner. It was the one time of the year she counted on seeing her whole family together.
She was a longstanding member of Scott Memorial UMC, its Chancel Choir and held many positions in the church, Cub Scout Pack 62 and Troop 62 Committee. She more recently attended Thalia UMC where she made many new friends as well.
Jean was a strong believer in women being independent and being able to take care of themselves. She always had great advice for the women in her life.
We would like to thank her very close friends, Alda and Marsha for their great care of her in the last year and especially the last few weeks of her life. She held them very dear to her heart and considered them her family as well.
We would also like to thank Amedisys Hospice for their wonderful care in her final days, especially Becky and Kendra.
She will be sorely missed by all, but we know she is with George, the love of her life.
A memorial service will be held at 11am on August 26, 2023 at Thalia UMC in Virginia Beach. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations in her name be made to the Virginia Beach SPCA or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to the family below.
Gene we will miss your Guidance and knowledge. You were a mentor and our doll club will not be the same without you 💔.
I have being doing Jeans nails a long time and during that time we have become friends more then client and nail tech. We shared our live of baking and flowers and dogs and our families. Especially our grandchildren. We shared our reading of the upper room. We have shared great loves and great losses. She was such a strong woman and I admired that. We laughed alot together!! Especially about the van!! Thank you for blessing me with your friendship and wisdom I will miss you terribly. May you rest well with George and the Lord.
I have come to know Jean through our Church ,Thalia United Methodist and also found she lived two streets over from me. She was such a friendly lady and I enjoyed talking with her! She even sent me a note in the mail during the Pandemic saying she missed seeing me in Church, and all the church family! We talked on the phone some but am very sad I didn’t see her as much as I should have! I will miss her strength and her singing and her laugh and smile ! God has you in his arms now and will take good care of you just like your friends fr.Smithfield did! Bless you my friend!🙏
I love this woman. She has been my rock for many years. My heart is breaking, not sure how this ones gonna heal. Loved calling her to ask her what kind of bird was on my feeder. You could ask her anything. She had this postive way to help you fix your troubles. Most of all, I am inspired by the way She loved my dad. She indeed was the light of his life. I do not have the words to describe how I love her. Mom, you will be missed.
This is a beautiful tribute. Jean had spunk for sure and I admired that as well as her independence. May she be at wonderful and perfect peace with her Father in Heaven.
Jean is my best friend. I know she is at peace and with George now but my heart still hurts.
Love and miss you Gram💜
Joe and I loved Jean and all her sassy ways. I am glad she is at peace.She will be missed by all who knew her. ❤️Roberta
Jean you will be missed! Your energy was fierce dear one , what a space will be left behind that only you could fill. It’s been an honor and a privilege to have known you for the majority of my life! Rest well good and faithful servant and give Mr. George a smooch for me! Until we meet again ❤️ much love and many prayers for the family and all who loved her.
I’m am keeping Jean’s family in prayer. I did not know Jean but having been praying for her for months through her wonderful step-daughter Jill. I know hearts are broken and she will be missed by her family. God has called her home to be with her loving husband. Rest easy my friend.