In Loving Memory of Debora Lynn “Deb” Marquiss Schmidt
It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of my dear wife, an all-around wonderful person, and a dedicated volunteer to PWP. In her last years of declining health she contributed many hours to helping PWP get off of the ground and accomplish many initiatives. She helped secure funding, assisted in developing our web site, kept the mailing list up to date, drafted a very involved grant solicitation alongside Marcy Shugert, and collaborated with Jessie Boeller on the book Toby, the Spadefoot of Meadowbrook Pond, and much more. Deb was gracious and selfless in supporting me and PWP through her last days as she was throughout her life. We will miss her dearly.
Jeffrey W. Schmidt, President PWP
In loving memory of Debora Lynn Schmidt Nov 23, 1959 – March 21, 2025
Debora Lynn (Marquiss) Schmidt was born November 23, 1959, in Newcastle, Wyoming, to Robert and Katharine Marquiss. A dedicated scholar, she earned her associate’s degree at Casper College and her bachelor’s from the University of Wyoming in 1984. On June 27, 1980, she married Jeffrey W. Schmidt; together they lived in Rapid City, SD, and St. Louis, MO, before settling in Poway, CA, in 1991.
Debora’s career spanned roles as a preschool teacher, retail associate and, most notably, the inaugural Commuter Coordinator at Cal State San Marcos, where her alternative transportation program won “Best New Program” honors from SANDAG. She retired after 19 years due to illness.
An intrepid adventurer, Debora loved camping, backpacking, kayaking, biking, hiking, and exploring the ocean through swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. She and Jeff traveled widely—from France and China to Norway and Belize—always embracing new experiences.
Deb passed away on March 21, 2025, after a long battle with cancer and the effects of her chemotherapy treatment.
She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Schmidt; sister, Cheryl Carr (Ken Carr); brother, James Marquiss (Sandra Hill Marquiss); and a large, loving extended family including twenty-nine nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.