Sedona AZ (February 4, 2014) – This SedonaEye.com letter to the editor is from Wendy Tanzer, Village of Oak Creek, sharing sad news of Sedona community activist, friend and neighbor Karen Schmitt’s passing:

Dear Editor,

It is with the heaviest of emotion, I share the following sad tidings. Our dear friend and neighbor, Karen Schmitt passed away in the evening hours of Monday, February 3, 2014. Karen had long battled with respiratory difficulties and after years of struggling, she can now rest.

But health issues were not her only battle. Karen stood valiantly against a tide of naysayers. As a result of her single-minded persistence, her bringing so many concerned citizens together and her ongoing and wise counsel, we may now look forward to the completion of Sedona Fire District Station #6 midway between Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek.

Karen didn’t live to see the final evidence of her victory but she was able to attend a Sedona Fire District Awards Banquet late last month and stood to receive their Citizen of the Year Award. An honor her family will cherish – for they know how much this achievement meant to her. In keeping, below is a quote from her son, Ken’s, Facebook post providing the details of her funeral arrangements:

Karen Schmitt’s family asks that you hug a Sedona firefighter in her memory

“We’ve made funeral arrangements, or should I say my mom was so organized and thoughtful that SHE made them……Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 1 pm….Westcott Funeral Home, 1013 E. Mingus Ave, Cottonwood, Az 86362. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make a contribution to Northern Arizona Hospice OR hug your local Sedona Firefighter!”

Not only does this give each of you the information you need to pay your respects to Karen’s husband, Mike, and the members of her family, but it demonstrates – for all time – her devotion and loyalty to the cause she loved.

Godspeed, Karen Schmitt. We will miss you.

In mourning,

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