Obituary of Nancy May Schmeiser

Nancy May Schmeiser, 76, of Wilton, CT, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. 

Nancy was born on September 9, 1945 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Colonel Warren Maurice Brown of Brooklyn, NY and Alice May McLaughlin of Manhattan, NY. Nancy was the beloved wife of Arthur J. Schmeiser, Jr. of Wilton and wonderful mother to three boys, Michael, Jason and Brian. 

She grew up in Valley Stream, Long Island. She was the second oldest sibling alongside her sisters Susan, Frances (Fran) and Patricia (Patti). As children, the family would spend weekends and holidays at their summer home on Shelter Island, NY. Nancy enjoyed being by the ocean, exploring Ram’s Head Island with her sisters, going on ‘penny hikes’, boating, playing golf and clamming along the shore with her father in Shanty Bay. 

Nancy attended Merrimack College where she achieved a Bachelor of Arts and met Michael B. DeVito, Sr. whom she married in 1968. They spent their first five years living in Germany and New York. With the birth of her first son, Michael in 1970, they moved to Stamford, CT where she had Jason (1974) and Brian (1977). Nancy raised her family in North Stamford until 1991, when she and the boys moved to New Canaan, CT. 

Between 1991 and 1996, Nancy excelled in her professional life. She worked as an Administrative Assistant at Merrill Lynch in the Stamford, CT branch. She studied hard and passed the rigorous Series 7 exam. From there, she moved to the Westport, CT branch and assisted the branch manager with all aspects of running the office.

Nancy married Arthur J. Schmeiser, Jr., the love of her life, in 1997 in New Canaan, CT. Shortly after they were married, they moved to Europe where they lived in Warsaw, Poland and Budapest, Hungary until 2000. During this time, she traveled extensively with Art. They visited over 25 countries during their residence in Europe. She honed her skills in acquiring antiques, engaging in art and culture and making new friends. She had an easy, charismatic way about her that attracted others to her presence. She made meaningful friendships and memories that would last a lifetime. 

In 1999, she became a grandmother for the first time. Her grandchildren, who affectionately called her Nannie, were a great source of pride and she loved them with all her heart and soul.

Nancy and Art returned to the U.S. in 2000 and settled on Nod Hill Road in Wilton, CT. It was there that she found her idyllic home where she could share her time with their five children and grandchildren. At home, Nancy had a passion for cooking. She was always ready to entertain. It’s no surprise that her love of entertaining was complemented by an elegant sense of fashion and grace.

During this time, Nancy and Art enjoyed cruising the northeast waters on their boat, Virgo, with their maritime friends. Her love of cooking and entertaining were enjoyed by all who traveled with them.

Nancy also had a panache for antique furniture, crystal, and pottery. She enjoyed engaging in conversations about politics, people and travel. She loved writing and often wrote letters to friends and family, notations to herself or journaling her thoughts on paper. She loved animals, in particular dogs. Although Nancy and Art only had Westies in her later life, Nancy always showed a fondness for all dogs both big and small. Nancy loved flowers. Each spring and summer, their home was always in full bloom with lilacs, hydrangeas, geraniums, impatiens and hibiscus. She also loved to challenge her mind with reading, games and puzzles. She spent many weekends with Art and Jason, completing puzzles and playing Scrabble.

Nancy was a loving, thoughtful and generous mother. Her priority was to bring her family together, always encouraging them to support each other as they built lasting relationships and prepared for a full life. If there were rewards given out for motherhood, Nancy would have won them all. 

In the later years, Nancy struggled with health issues. During this time, she was supported by her family and wonderful friend and caretaker, Sasha Kadar. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Sasha who spent eleven years supporting Art and Nancy through this challenging period. As a result, Nancy was able to enjoy a longer and fuller life due to her unconditional love, support and care.

Although our hearts are broken and it’s difficult to think of our days without her love and guidance; we will find comfort in our fond memories and will carry her in our hearts forever. 

Nancy is survived by her husband Arthur J. Schmeiser, Jr. of Wilton, her son’s Michael B. DeVito. Jr. (Amy) of New Canaan, Jason P. DeVito of Fairfield, Brian L. DeVito (Lindsey) of Darien, her stepson A. Bryan Schmeiser of Stamford, and stepdaughter Kristen Panichella of Weston. Her grandchildren, Spencer, Taylor, Kelsey, Cacey and Lola DeVito and six step grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Susan Kerr of Florida, Frances Walsh of Shelter Island, NY, and Patricia Dickson of Garden City, NY, as well as many Nieces and Nephews. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on February 2, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima, 229 Danbury Rd, Wilton, CT 06897. Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on February 1, 2022 at the Hoyt Funeral Home 199 Main Street, New Canaan, CT 06840. Burial will follow immediately after the mass at Hillside Cemetery, Wilton, CT.

Donations preferred to: ASPCA and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.