Edith P. Schmidtchen

Edith “Edie” P. Schmidtchen, 96, of Bedford, passed away after a brief illness at the home of her daughter in Nottingham on January 23, 2023.

She was born in Manchester on August 20, 1926, the youngest of four girls to Claude and Ella (Poehlman) Worcester and grew up on Sheridan Street.

Edie graduated from West High School, Class of 1944 where she was Class Secretary, an honor student, member of the student council, Thesaurus, the Yearbook Staff, and the Calisthenics Program. After graduating, she worked for Travelers Insurance. She met and married Ewin Schmidtchen, Jr. and moved to Bedford with their two children in 1955. She was appointed as Deputy Clerk in the Town of Bedford in 1964 and became Clerk of the Town as well as the Tax Collector. She was also involved and active in many other organizations. She retired in 1996.

She was predeceased by her husband of 29 years in 1978. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Schmidtchen of Nottingham; her son, Gary Schmidtchen and his wife Mary Craig of Auburn; her grandson, Brett Schmidtchen and his wife Renee of Pembroke; her granddaughter Lindsay and her husband Matt Chandler of Auburn; three great grandchildren, Lydia, Kenadee, and Karsyn; her long-time friend and caregiver, Cheryl McDonald of Nottingham; and nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A celebration of her life will be held at Bedford Presbyterian Church on Monday, January 30^th at 11:30 AM.  Burial will take place later this spring in Bedford Center Cemetery. Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Manchester is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Animal Rescue League of NH at https://www.rescueleague.org/. To view an online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit https://www.phaneuf.net