Jeanette B. Schmoll

Jeanette (Boyle) Schmoll (nee Brodbeck) peacefully passed away January 17, 2021 after a long and hard fought 13-year battle with breast cancer.  Jeanette was born on June 5, 1938 to Andrew and Emma (Mount) Boyle in Manayunk, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  She attended Holy Family Catholic School and Little Flower High School for Girls.  Her life in Philadelphia encompassed a variety of work experiences including TastyKake, Action Manufacturing, Sears, and Body Beautiful.

In 1957, Jeanette met the love of her life, Robert V. Brodbeck, Jr.  They eloped to Elkton, Maryland and were married on June 23, 1958.  Jeanette and Bob settled down on Zeralda Street in the Germantown section of Philadelphia where they started their family.  Their son, Robert V. Brodbeck III, was born a year later.  Over the years, they lovingly added three daughters to their family named Jeanette, Kathleen, and Kimberly Ann.  Eventually they moved to the neighborhood of Feltonville.  It was there that Jeanette and Bob developed a lifelong friendship with Loretta Rosso and Donna and John McKenna.  Loretta, a dear friend of young Jeanette, would be thought of as a daughter to them.  She became an important part of the Brodbeck family.

In 1988, Jeanette, Bob, and Kimberly left for an unexpected, but exciting adventure to Lutz, Florida where they bought a cute little house on a pond.  Shortly before their arrival, their first grandchild, Robert V. Brodbeck IV, was born.  Jeanette worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Environmental Services. They were devoted to each other for nearly 32 years when sadly, in 1990, her husband Bob passed away after a brief fight with cancer.  After the sudden loss of Bob, Jeanette was faced with many obstacles, but because of her fighting spirit, she was able to pick up the pieces.  One of her many accomplishments was getting her driver’s license at age 52.  While attending a bereavement group, Jeanette met Allen Schmoll who also lost his wife to cancer.  They formed a friendship, fell in love, and were married.  Jeanette and Al had a beautiful life together; they loved to vacation, especially cruising to Mexico.  While living in Florida, they were blessed with five additional grandchildren: Matthew, Selena, and Sarah Hengy and Kevin and Marissa Letizio.

In the year 2000, Jeanette and Al moved back to the Philadelphia area, where they purchased a home in North Wales, Pennsylvania.  On the day of their arrival, Jeanette and Al were excited to welcome their seventh grandchild, Kayla Rose Sweeney.  While living in North Wales, Jeanette worked at Costco where she met her good friend, Beth Rapper.  Adding to their happiness, James and Patrick Sweeney were the last grandchildren to be born.

After many years of a happy marriage, Al passed away.  Sadly, after that, Jeanette was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite undergoing surgery, radiation and chemotherapy Jeanette continued to endure the health challenges that came along with a cancer diagnosis.  She always maintained a kind nature and optimistic attitude even during her worst days.  She frequently described herself as a breast cancer “survivor” and enjoyed giving words of encouragement to others going through the same struggles.

Jeanette enjoyed the simple things in life.  First and foremost, her greatest joy in life was being with her family. She would often be found reading on the deck, watching court TV (especially Judge Judy) and took frequent trips to Yum Yums for her favorite donuts! Jeanette loved giving and receiving cards and notes. She loved Bob’s family and made it a priority to stay connected with them through the years. You could be sure she would never forget your birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion. She was an animated storyteller who would make you laugh! She adored her grandchildren, and they made her life complete. When you came through her door you would surely hear “Hi Honey! Where’s my hug?” She was thankful for the time she had with her family and friends after her cancer diagnosis but was most grateful for the love and support her family gave her.

Jeanette is predeceased by her loving husbands, Robert V. Brodbeck Jr and Allen Schmoll; loving sisters, brother, favorite niece, Bernadine Dunne, and her husband Vincent R. Dunne; her great nephews John Meyer and Vincent J. Dunne.  She is survived by her loving children; Robert V. Brodbeck III (Michelle), Jeanette M. Hengy (William), Kathleen R. Letizio (Kevin Sr.) and Kimberly A. Sweeney (James Jr.); nine cherished grandchildren: Robert V. Brodbeck IV, Matthew W. Hengy, Selena M. Hengy, Sarah L. Hengy, Kevin Letizio Jr, Marissa Letizio, Kayla R. Sweeney, James J. Sweeney III and Patrick R. Sweeney.  She also loved dearly her great nephew Ryan Dunne (Christine); close and faithful friends Loretta A. Rosso, John and Donna Mckenna and Beth Rapper; and her much loved pet “Barney the cat”.

Jeanette and her family would like to thank three beloved physicians that cared for her over the years: Dr. Howard Zipin (Oncology), Dr. David Qu (Pain Management) and Dr. Edward Da Veiga (Family Medicine).  All three of these gentlemen went above and beyond what would be expected as a health care provider.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Jeanette’s favorite charities, The Wounded Warriors Project and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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