Miriam Schmidtmann, longtime Boothbay Harbor resident and realtor, passed away Sept. 13 after a long illness. Born Miriam Elisabeth Carlson in Franklin, Mass. on June 21, 1920, she survived childhood polio as well as scarlet fever, and went on to live a long, fulfilling life.
Mim was a very talented artist. After graduating from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, she got the travel bug and moved to New York City, N.Y., New Jersey, and Alaska, using her artistic talents as a draftsman. In Alaska she met Robert Schmidtmann, who pursued her shamelessly until she agreed to marry him. They wed in 1952 in Okinawa, where Robert worked for the Air Force rebuilding the islands after WWII. There they had two sons, Michael and Karl. During their stay in the humid Pacific Islands Miriam and Robert saw pictures of Boothbay Harbor, and smitten by its beauty, moved there sight-unseen in 1955. They have been in the area ever since. Once in Boothbay Harbor, they had another son Brandt to complete the young family.
Miriam was a kind woman and an exceptional mother that could bandage a scrapped knee, soothe a scared child, help with some homework, and cook a wonderful meal. She always regretted not pursuing her artwork. As a result, she always encouraged her children to follow their own paths, and supported them in whatever they chose to do.
Mim went back to school in the early 70s and obtained her Real Estate license, opening an office in the garage of her home. Many local Real Estate agents started their careers in her office, and went on to launch successful businesses on their own.
Mim was a very social woman, and loved parties and the company of her many friends. An avid bridge player, she until recently was a member of numerous informal weekly bridge clubs, fussing over the refreshments when she hosted.
Miriam is survived by her devoted husband Robert; sister, Ruth Bryant; brothers, Carl and John Carlson; sons, Michael, Karl, and Brandt Schmidtmann; “adopted” daughter, Judi Plimpton; and grandchildren, Nicole, Max, Katrina, Katelyn, Madelyn, and Lindsey Schmidtmann.
Memorial services 11 a.m., Sat., Sept. 27 at St. Columba Episcopal Church in Boothbay Harbor with a reception to follow. Rev. Suzanne Colburn will officiate.
Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay.
