Roseann Lee Schmidt’s impact on South Burnett remembered through heartfelt tributes

An outpouring of tributes to a beloved wife, mum and friend have come from a close-knit community following her death at 51 years old.

Rosie Schmidt

The South Burnett community is mourning the loss of Roseann (Rosie) Lee Schmidt, who died in Kingaroy last month.

Ms Schmidt was a beloved figure in the community, known for her warm heart and dedication to her family and friends.

The 51-year-old died on May 29.

She leaves behind her loving husband Darren and their two sons, Oscar and Toby.

Ms Schmidt was the cherished daughter of the late Dave Steinhardt and Daphne Hatchwell, and a dear sister to Timothy, Jocelyn, Loretta, Matthew, Barbara, Heather and Benjamin.

She was also a treasured sister-in-law, aunt, godmother, cousin, colleague, and friend to many.

Ms Schmidt’s funeral service will be held at the Kingaroy Town Hall on Glendon Street at 1pm on Friday, June 7, followed by a private cremation.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, with envelopes provided at the service.

Rosie Schmidt.

In honour of Ms Schmidt, Mayor Kathy Duff led a minute’s silence and recited a prayer at the South Burnett Regional Council special meeting on Tuesday.

“We lost our Rosie Schmidt. She used to work at the Wondai Shire Council and continued her service with our council in economic development after amalgamation,” Ms Duff said.

“She was a dear friend to many of us.”

The South Burnett Rugby League also paid tribute to Ms Schmidt, with players taking a knee in her memory at the conclusion of the Cherbourg v Kingaroy A-Grade game last Saturday.

“The boys took a knee in memory of the dearly loved Rosie Schmidt, who sadly passed earlier this week. Our sincere condolences to Darren, Toby and Oscar,” read their heartfelt Facebook post.

Cherbourg and Kingaroy A-Grade players paid tribute to Ms Schmidt after their Saturday match.

Similarly, the Kingaroy Rugby League Football Club paid tribute.

“On behalf of the Kingaroy Rugby League Football Club, we honour and remember Rosie as an integral part of our club. We are sorry to the Schmidt family and friends for your loss.”

Hundreds of messages from community members flooded social media to pay tribute to Ms Schmidt.

“Roseann was truly one of a kind, 47 years of amazing friendship. She will be terribly missed,” shared Debra Croft.

Former neighbour to Ms Schmidt, Janet O’Connor said the news broke her heart.

“Rosie was my neighbour for quite a few years and such a lovely person, as was the whole family,” Ms O’Connor said.

“Thinking of you all at this such sad time.”