Kathryn "Kay" Ellen (Fillmore) Schmidt

In Loving Memory of Kathryn “Kay” Ellen (Fillmore) Schmidt.

Kathryn “Kay” Ellen (Fillmore) Schmidt, beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother passed away suddenly at Monroe Community Hospital on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the age of 89.

Kathryn was born on February 23, 1937, in Rochester, Monroe County, New York, to Stanley and Katherine (O’Connell) Fillmore. She was named after her mother, Katherine, and her middle name Ellen, honored her great-grandmother Ellen “Ella” (Horton) Fillmore. Kathryn was the youngest of three daughters, growing up alongside her older sisters, Nancy (Bud) Cromwell and Margaret (Claude) Feely, both of whom preceded her in death.

Kathryn graduated from the old East High School in 1954 and went on to build a long and dedicated career at Xerox where she worked for 47 years as an Executive Secretary. Kathryn, her husband Harold and their four children spent many years living in Rochester’s 10th ward before eventually settling in Greece, New York.

Above all, Kathryn was a loving and devoted mother. She shared an especially close and inseparable bond with her daughter Kimberly, who lived with her for most of her life. Family was at the center of Kathryn’s world, and she treasured every opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Affectionately known as “G.G.,” she was blessed with a generous and loving heart.

Some of the happiest memories Kathryn leaves behind are the traditions and simple pleasures that brought her family together. Her children fondly remember trips to Roseland Park, Seabreeze, Charlotte beach, Mendon Ponds Park; along with roller-skating, bowling, golfing; and her leading the wreath-making craft during the holidays. Sunday dinners with Kathryn’s famous spaghetti sauce and hot roast beef are especially cherished.

Kathryn enjoyed sharing meals at the local diners, family pizza nights at Tom & Nancy's or Carbone’s and outings to get ice cream. She loved playing cards and board games. It was not unusual to find 10-15 family members around her dining table, laughing and playing Solitaire, Boggle, or Scrabble. Those lively gatherings reflected what mattered most to her: time together, laughter, and the closeness of family. Her love of travel took her to Niagara Falls, the Adirondack Mountains, the Thousand Islands, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Texas and to her favorite Hawaii. Kathryn had a tender love for animals and enjoyed feeding the squirrels and ducks.

Kathryn was Catholic and a member of Sacred Heart Cathedral. She also enjoyed the fellowship and companionship of her senior group at Journey Christian Church. She enjoyed volunteering to help others.

Kathryn’s life was defined not by grand gestures, but by the countless ways she loved her family and created memories that will always be treasured. We will carry her in our hearts always, grateful for every memory, every moment, and every expression of love.

She will always be a part of us.

Kathryn is predeceased in death by her beloved husband Harold Kenneth Schmidt Sr; her sisters Nancy and Margaret; and her granddaughter Samantha Ann (Luce) Fraser.

Kathryn is survived by her daughters Patricia Schmidt and Kimberly Schmidt; her sons Harry (Debbie) Schmidt and Kevin Schmidt (Kendra Bryan); and her cherished grandchildren: Kelly (James) Caruso, Katie Reynolds, Randi (Wayne) Birkin, Webster (Ashleigh) Luce, Cyndy (Paul) Windhauser, Danny (Kim) Schmidt, Stephanie (Byron) Buza, Amber (Maurice) Hunt, Kirsten Schmidt (Andrew Haskins). She also leaves behind her beloved great-grandchildren: Austin, Anthony, Joshua, Brooklyn, Chloe, Kayne, Jovi, Nicholas, Makenzie, Olivia, Taylar, Wyatt, Tyler, Eric, Lydia, Austin, Amiliya, Sage, Ivy, Benjamin, Amanda, and Jessica. Kathryn will also be remembered by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Calling hours will be held Thursday October 29th, 5-7 pm at Farrell-Ryan Funeral & Cremation Services. Funeral service Friday October 30th, 11 AM at the funeral home. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.