Heather B. Smelser

Date of Death: December 8, 2019

Middletown Fire Department

7855 Main Street

Middletown, Virginia

Sunday 12/15, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Celebration of Life

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Middletown Fire Department
P.O. Box 111
Middletown, Virginia 22645

UVA Health Foundation
P.O. Box 800773
Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-0773

Heather Jane Bachschmid Smelser, 54, of Middletown, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2019, at Winchester Medical Center.

Ms. Smelser was born in 1965, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the daughter of Edward Bachschmid and the late Judith K. Bachschmid. She was a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and of Troy University where she received a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology. Ms. Smelser was a teacher having worked as an Elementary Program Mentor at Western Governors University, and an elementary teacher for Emerick Elementary School in Loudoun County, Virginia and Middletown Elementary School in Middletown, Virginia.

Surviving with her father are three daughters, Abigail Ervin of Strasburg, Virginia, Anna Smelser of Linden, Virginia and Audra Smelser of Middletown, Virginia; grandchildren, Shiloh Ervin and Wyatt Ervin both of Strasburg, Virginia, brother, Jeffrey Bachschmid of Austin, Texas and her daughter’s father, Billy Smelser, of Strasburg, Virginia.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 15, 2019 from 4:00pm-6:00pm at the Middletown Fire Hall on Main Street in Middletown, Virginia

In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations in Heather’s memory to the Middletown Fire Department, P.O. Box 111, Middletown, Virginia 22645 or UVA Health Foundation, P.O. Box 800773, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908-0773

Anon

Shannon Orr

Lynnie Dalton

Billy Smelser

Kay Clem

John Ericson

The Georgia’s...Cos, Anita, Christina and Celena.

Kendall Harris

KaseyCampbell-Messer

Tina Smith

Jake and Cindy Aston

Kara Parker

Heather Jane Bachschmid Smelser, 54, of Middletown, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2019, at Winchester Medical Center. Ms. Smelser was born in 1965, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the daughter of Edward Bachschmid and the late Judith K. Bachschmid. She was a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood EducationContinue Reading

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She was my first grade teacher, it breaks my heart to see this just now. I remember she gave me my first reward for the strongest kid in the class, she make me feel like I was the best.

Just now finding out about her passing. So sorry Audra and family

It is with a heavy heart that I write this message. Heather and I attended Virginia Commonwealth University together. What I remember most about her is her smile and ever optimistic outlook on life. She always seemed to make those she came in contact with a better person. I know I am a better person as a result of our friendship. We lost track of one another over the years but reconnected through email as she was retiring from teaching. I learned of her illness but she assured me she would be just fine. I wish I had continued to reach out and let her know how much I appreciated her. She was truly one of the special ones. All she ever wrote about was her girls, her family and her love of teaching. Heaven has definitely gained a new angel. Rest in peace my friend and I hope to see you again some day.

I love you, Mommy. Forever.

May your light continue to shine through those who love you!

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

In memory of Heather B. Smelser, Lynnie Dalton lit a candle

Love you.

Heather was a 'second' mom to our son Bryan. She was on a break from teaching with Abigail and was kind enough to take on an extra little one. I would pick him up each afternoon after work. Mary and I were so grateful that we had such a loving 'mom' to leave our very first child with. Total peace of mind. What a gift to 'nervous' first-time parents. We are so sad with Heather's passing, but she will always live on in our family's memory. All our love to the girls. Barry and Mary

Heather had a smile that was contagious! A friend to ALL! We will miss you! 😊

Heather was my cousin. She was the oldest of the group of us and as we grew up, we ran as a pack during family gatherings and she was our ringleader. Heather was full of fun and I will always remember her big, generous laughter. She was a natural born teacher, devoted mom, and good friend to many. Our family is heartsick to have lost her, especially so close to her transplant. My heart goes out especially to her three girls, to her brother (my cousin Jeff), and my Uncle Ed, who lost his wife only months ago, also to leukemia. Please hold them in your prayers.

I’m so sorry to hear of Heather’s passing. We enjoyed many good times teaching together at Middletown. Her loss weighs heavy on my heart, and she will be greatly missed.

Heather and I taught first grade together many years ago at Boyce Elementary. I remember her as a patient, kind, and creative teacher who was always there for the students. My heartfelt sympathy to her daughters, grandchildren, father, and brother and extended family.

Abigail, Anna,Audra, your old pastor is praying for you and crying with you! Your Mom was so proud of you! She was very special to our family. Much love from the Ericsons

To Billy, and The Girls - Abigail, Anna, Audra and Family: We are very sorry for your loss. Heather is such a beautiful soul; to be celebrated in this world and welcomed in heaven❗️ We love you all ❤️ God bless The Georgia’s

In memory of Heather B. Smelser, Kendall Harris lit a candle

Heather touched so many hearts, young and old. Prayers for her family and all those hearts. A wonderful person and friend missed by so many.

Abigail, Anna and Audra, I am so sorry to see that Heather passed away. I just spoke with her last Thursday about coming by to visit as I was in town this week. Her and Billy were married the same day as me and they were our neighbors at that time. I have kept in touch with her over the years and I am heartbroken to hear of her passing. All of you and your extended families are in my prayers. Heaven has truly gained another Angel.

A remarkable woman who fought a courageous battle. Deepest sympathies to her daughters and grandchildren. May you find solace in knowing she is at peace now.

Audra so sorry for your loss and we love you 😘❤️

My heart breaks to lose you, sweet friend! Yet I rejoice that you are with Jesus and suffer no more! I’ll miss and love you always!

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

always my favorite teacher!! will be missed!!!

You were like a big sister, Heather. A life of service, persistence, humor, and love - too short, but well-lived. I miss you already, lady!Love, Kathleen

Our whole family is in shock and so sorry to hear this sad news. Such a sweet soul, enjoyed many Middletown Christmas parades from the front yard.Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this most difficult time.

In memory of Heather B. Smelser, Donna Facemire lit a candle

I’m so sorry to see a beautiful person go so soon! I can only send love and light to your family! You will be in everyone’s thoughts and prayers!

My Dear Heather heaven got a special angel. I will miss you. Now you have a new body in Christ. I will always remember your kindness and smile. So glad I got to talk to you last week you never gave up. I love you and I will see you one day again.

I will never for get you i loved having you as my teacher

Sending prayers for your family

In memory of Heather B. Smelser, Katelyn Ryder lit a candle

Heather truly had a heart of gold. She loved her family very much. What I remember most is that she truly loved Jesus. Her faith was very strong and she wasn't afraid to share her love for the Lord. I enjoyed the little talks we had in the past about our girls and her faith. My thoughts and prayers are with her girls and family. A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, they live on. Please accept our condolences, Heather will not be forgotten.

In memory of Heather B. Smelser, Carl Aston lit a candle

In memory of Heather B. Smelser, Ravin Smallwood lit a candle

Rest in Peace sweet Heather. Praying that your family will recieve comfort and peace knowing that you are no longer suffering. You were an amazing woman, educator, mother and friend. To Abby, Anna and Audra I can't tell you how sorry I am that you have lost your mother just hold on to all of the beautiful memories you shared with her. Hugs to all of you girls and the rest of your family.

In memory of Heather B. Smelser, Amy Gray lit a candle

Ms. Smelser was my kindergarten teacher and also a second mom to me growing up. I thank her for all the love and laughter she brought into this world, she will be deeply missed by myself and many others.

In memory of Heather B. Smelser, Alicia Crawfors lit a candle

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.