Clinton-Helen L. “Pudgy” (Hatstat) Schmidt, 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 8, 2012 at Kindred Transitional Care in Marlborough after a brief illness.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 28 years, Walter J. Schmidt, who died in 1991.

She is survived by her son, Karl W. Schmidt and his wife Mary Pat; two granddaughters Kassandra M. Schmidt and Julie L. Schmidt, all of Clinton.

She leaves two brothers, David R. Hatstat and wife Beatrice; Willis C. Hatstat and wife Beatrice, of Clinton; a sister, Dorice Charon and husband Ernest of Leominster; sister-in-law, Waltraud Burgwinkel and husband Arthur of Clinton; generations of nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

She is pre-deceased by siblings, Russell Hatstat, Frederick W. Hatstat III, Margaret Mosher, Margaret Chiavaras, Frances Jennings and Mary Elizabeth Burgwinkel.

Born in Lancaster to the late Frederick W. Hatstat, Jr. and Helen (Whitney) Hatstat, “Pudgy” attended local schools and was a graduate of the Clinton High School Class of 1951.

She was employed for many years as a secretary with ITT Surprenant formerly of Clinton before becoming a full-time homemaker. Helen taught Sunday school and was a member of the United Church of Clinton. She was a former teacher of 4-H who took pleasure in painting, knitting and crochet. “Pudgy” enjoyed genealogy research and took great pride in success-fully organizing family reunions each year. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure to have known her.

A Funeral Service is to be held at 10AM on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 in the Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton, with burial to follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton.

Calling hours will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 from 5 until 8 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Helen L. Schmidt to the Clinton Police Relief Association-176 Chestnut St., Clinton, MA 01510. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com