S. Fay ‘Snooky’ Schmitt

She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Isaac and Alice (Kolb) Saltzman. On Aug. 16, 1953, Snooky married Irving Schmitt. He preceded her in death on Sept. 4, 1994.

Surviving is a daughter, Alice S. (Walter) Dasher of Savannah, Ga.; a son, David W. (Robin) Schmitt of Birmingham, Ala.; two grandchildren, Margaret (Will) McCoy and Kelsey Schmitt; two great-grandsons, Jackson and Robert; a new great-granddaughter, Blake; and her brother, Harold Saltzman.

She was a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and retired as a remedial reading specialist from the Altoona Area School District.

She was renowned far beyond Altoona for her fabulous food. Her successful catering business was quite the force, just as she was. Many of her timeless, delicious recipes (like her famous chopped liver) are still shared in cookbooks and cooking blogs to this day.

Snooky was a member of Agudath Achim Congregation. She actively served on the board and was extremely involved with Altoona Community Theatre, producing an amazing number of unforgettable musicals. Many remember her excitement before big shows while taking tickets at the Mishler Theatre’s box office. She was a board member of the Friends of the Altoona Library, an energetic helper at the soup kitchen and served on numerous other boards and organizations. For Snooky, no one was a stranger and, of course, no one would go hungry in her presence.

Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona. The family kindly requests that masks are worn for the visitation. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be held at Mount Sinai Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Snooky’s companions from Comfort Keepers who helped keep her cheerful and happy every step of the way. In the traditional southern way, they all referred to her as Miss Snooky, which always made her smile.

Condolences may be made at stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or the Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Altoona Area Public Library, 1600 Fifth Ave., Altoona, PA 16602, or the Blair County Arts Foundation, 1207 12th Ave., Altoona, PA 16601.