APRIL 11 • 2024 | 69
J
ames C. Schmidt,
83, beloved husband,
cherished father,
treasured grandfather,
adoring great-grandfather
and esteemed psychologist,
passed away peacefully
surrounded by his loving
family on April 1, 2024.
He leaves behind a legacy
of warmth, wisdom and
boundless love.
Raised in Detroit with
his devoted brother, Bob
(MyLe) Schmidt, and loving
sister, Gaye Tillman, Jim
offered the ultimate example
of a life well-lived. He was
the adoring husband of
Sharon (Music) Schmidt
for 60 years, and their love
served as an inspiration to
all who knew them.
As a father, Jim was
a pillar of strength and
guidance to his children,
Julie (Loren) Stone and
David (Liz Wierba)
Schmidt. His unconditional
love and unwavering
encouragement shaped
the lives of his children,
instilling in them values of
integrity, compassion, and
resilience. Jim’s greatest joy
came from being a doting
Papa to his grandchildren,
Alex (Kristin) Stone,
Stefanie Stone, Jonah
(Colin) Schmidt and Max
Schmidt. He reveled in
their accomplishments,
celebrated their milestones
and showered them with
love and affection. His
excitement knew no bounds
upon welcoming his twin
great-grandsons, Ethan
and Connor Stone, into the
world.
Beginning in 1970, Dr.
Schmidt was a faculty
member at
Oakland
University,
ultimately
acting as a
founding
member of the
Department
of Counseling and the
Department of Human
Resources Development. He
also had a thriving family
therapy practice that he
shared with his partners at
Oakwoods Psychological
Center.
Beyond his
accomplishments as a
psychologist and professor,
Jim was a grand adventurer,
always seeking new
experiences and embracing
life’s journey with an open
heart and an adventurous
spirit. Whether exploring
distant lands or simply
enjoying the beauty of
nature, he approached every
moment with enthusiasm
and wonder.
Jim Schmidt’s passing
leaves a void in the hearts
of all who knew him. Yet,
his memory will continue to
live on in the countless lives
he touched and the lessons
he imparted. He will be
remembered not only for his
professional achievements
but, more importantly,
for the love, kindness and
compassion he shared with
all who crossed his path.
Interment was held at
Machpelah Cemetery in
Ferndale. Contributions
may be made to Gesher
Human Services or to
the Jewish Hospice and
Chaplaincy Network.
Arrangements by Dorfman
Chapel.
A Legacy of Love
James
Schmidt
Galleria Officenter, Suite
400, Southfield, MI 48034,
hom.org/donations; Jewish
Hospice & Chaplaincy
Network, 6555 W. Maple,
West Bloomfield, MI 48322,
jhcn.org/donate/tribute;
or to a charity of one’s
choice. Arrangements by Ira
Kaufman Chapel.
ARTHUR
SMITH, 99, of
West Bloomfield,
died March 29,
2024.
He is survived
by his beloved wife, Dolores
Smith; children, Mindy
Smith (Ted Stenhouse)
Smith and Fredric Smith;
grandchildren, Jenny Crakes,
Alex Ramsay-Smith, Hunter
Ramsay-Smith and Isaac
Smith; devoted brother,
Martin Smith many other
loving family members and
friends.
He was the brother of the
late Gordon Smith.
Interment was held
at Clover Hill Park
Cemetery in Birmingham.
Contributions may be made
to Congregation Beth Ahm,
to JARC or to a charity of
one’s choice. Arrangements
by Dorfman Chapel.
BRENDA JOYCE STERN,
77, of West Bloomfield, died
April 3, 2024.
She was the beloved
daughter of the late Albert
and Rose Stern; dear sister
of the late Janice Stern. She
is survived by many loving
family members and friends.
Interment was held at
Adat Shalom Memorial
Park Cemetery in Livonia.
Contributions may be made
to the Michigan Humane
Society. Arrangements by
Dorfman Chapel.
CINDY
ATTENSON
ZATE, 59, of West
Bloomfield, died
March 31, 2024.
Mrs. Zate is
survived by her daughter, Lucy
Zate; sister and brother-in-
law, Jill Attenson Gurfinkel
and Mike Forrest; brother and
sister-in-law, Ryan and Wendy
Attenson; brothers-in-law and
sister-in-law, Ronald Zate and
Marshall Sprung, and Kary
and Christine Zate; nephew
and nieces, Alan and Sue
Vosko, and Kay Silver; many
loving relatives and friends.
Mrs. Zate was the beloved
wife of the late Barry C. Zate;
the special aunt of the late
Donald Silver, the late Marilyn
and the late Robert Silver,
the late Sandra Silver and the
late Sam Davis; the devoted
daughter of the late Myron
and the late Marilyn “Butchie”
Attenson.
Interment was at Beth El
Memorial Park. Contributions
may be made to Blessings
in a Backpack, 303 East St.,
Rochester, MI 48307, bless-
ingsinabackpackmi.org;
Anti-Defamation League
(ADL), P.O. Box 252166, West
Bloomfield, MI 48325-2166,
michigan.adl.org/tag/Detroit;
or to a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements by Ira Kaufman
Chapel.
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