Obituary of Devan Chanel Schmidt

Devan Chanel Schmidt, 29, of Seattle, WA , formerly of Anchorage and Girdwood Alaska, Melbourne and Palm Bay FL, Shirland IL., and Madison, WI, died suddenly Saturday, May 2, 2015 at her residence in Seattle, WA. Born in Madison, WI, Devan is survived by mother Pamela Schmidt, sister Lia Kendall, and two brothers Sylas and Nick. Devan was a resident of Madison, WI until the eighth grade when she moved to Illinois where she lived until the age of sixteen. At sixteen along with her mother Pam, and sister Lia, she moved to Palm Bay, FL, where she graduated from high school in 2004. In the year 2008 she attended Brevard Community College where she pursued a degree in Associates of Science until 2010. Most of Devan’s extended biological family resides in the Almond, WI area. It was here, surrounded by the beautiful backdrop of central WI, her love for nature was ignited. Devan grew up a very secure, confident, and adaptable young woman. She was a skilled soccer player, was crowned Miss Shirland, Illinois, and was a spokesperson for the state’s anti-tobacco cessation program. She spoke in schools and political venues and was the billboard face for this program. From an early age along with her mother, Pam, Devan was exposed to yearly vacations all across the United States. At the age of sixteen, Devan relocated to Florida with her mother and sister. It was here that she acquired a love for scuba diving and surfing and yearned for travel and the opportunity to experience life’s many bounties. In college Devan traveled to Egypt and Paris. Growing weary of Florida and seeking new adventure an opportunity in the food service industry landed Devan in Girdwood, Alaska. It was here in the vast northwest she planted her heart. Devan’s joy of life was contagious to all that knew her. She will be remembered as an optimist. A bright light in the darkest of rooms she will be remembered with a smile on her face. A minimalist, she was extremely adaptable and always at home as were us all while in her company. One of a kind, Devan will be missed by countless friends and family until we meet again. Devan Schmidt is survived by mother Pamela Schmidt, sister Lia Kendall, brother Sylas Chase, stepbrother Nick Espinosa, grandmother Carolyn Schmidt, brother-in-law Nathan Kendall, nephews Kane and Jackson Kendall, Austin and Tyler Jannette. Along with many more friends and family. Some of the favorite places she worked were: Shells of Melbourne, FL Carrabas of Palm Bay, FL American Eagle, Melbourne, FL Bath and Body Works, Melbourne, FL Hooters, Melbourne, FL Long Doggers, Palm Bay, FL Melting Pot, Viera, FL Sweet Tomatoes, W. Melbourne, FL Pane E. Vino, Melbourne, FL Chart House, Melbourne, FL Princess Denali Wilderness Lodge, Denali National Park, Alaska Alyeska Ski Resort, Girdwood, Alaska Salmon Bake, Denali National Park, Alaska The Tourism Railroad in Alaska at ESS support services, Anchorage, Alaska The Parlor Live, Seattle, Washington Arrangements entrusted to Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, Melbourne, 321-724-2222.Viewing will be Wednesday, May 13, 2015 from 4 pm until time of service at 5 pm at Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, 1001 S. Hickory Street, Melbourne. Gathering to follow. Any donations for Devan’s family relief may be made to Bank of America / Jo Ann Frasca account, Call this number for the account information 321-549-9343, thank you.