By Peggy Duncan
Dear Friends,
We were all saddened to receive the news that Carolyn Schmies had passed on Dec. 23. It came as a shock to everyone who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and loved ones.
On Monday, Carolyn called while on her way to San Antonio to discuss the topic for this week’s Cuidando Lo Nuestro column. Since she was traveling, there was a lot of static on the line, making it difficult to hear everything she said. We agreed that this week’s column would focus on the importance of volunteer commitment. Today’s column is dedicated to Carolyn M. Schmies, knowing that she is the perfect example of a committed and dynamic volunteer leader.
Volunteers are the secret to the success of any organization. They are vital to all nonprofit agencies. Volunteers help staff community events, facilitate access to services, and reduce the cost of providing programs for those in need. This holiday season, you may have seen volunteers serving meals at Bethany House on Thanksgiving or ringing bells for the Salvation Army during the Christmas season.
Volunteers are essential. They give their personal time, provide leadership, and share their experiences or knowledge for the betterment of the community. Most volunteers are driven by a cause or inspired by something that has touched their lives. It is that motivation that keeps them moving forward despite the challenges that may arise.
As president of United Way, Carolyn shared that her family was helped by a United Way agency when she lived in Indiana. Her daughter, Cesha Monique Brown, had cerebral palsy, and it was a United Way agency that helped them deal with many of the challenges of her illness. That assistance began Carolyn’s lifelong support of the network.
In Laredo, Carolyn led United Way campaigns while employed at General Motors, Packard Electric, Delphi, and later at Laredo College. She organized committees and inspired faculty, staff, and students to get involved and make a difference.
By Peggy Duncan
Dear Friends,
We were all saddened to receive the news that Carolyn Schmies had passed on Dec. 23. It came as a shock to everyone who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and loved ones.
On Monday, Carolyn called while on her way to San Antonio to discuss the topic for this week’s Cuidando Lo Nuestro column. Since she was traveling, there was a lot of static on the line, making it difficult to hear everything she said. We agreed that this week’s column would focus on the importance of volunteer commitment. Today’s column is dedicated to Carolyn M. Schmies, knowing that she is the perfect example of a committed and dynamic volunteer leader.
Volunteers are the secret to the success of any organization. They are vital to all nonprofit agencies. Volunteers help staff community events, facilitate access to services, and reduce the cost of providing programs for those in need. This holiday season, you may have seen volunteers serving meals at Bethany House on Thanksgiving or ringing bells for the Salvation Army during the Christmas season.
Volunteers are essential. They give their personal time, provide leadership, and share their experiences or knowledge for the betterment of the community. Most volunteers are driven by a cause or inspired by something that has touched their lives. It is that motivation that keeps them moving forward despite the challenges that may arise.
As president of United Way, Carolyn shared that her family was helped by a United Way agency when she lived in Indiana. Her daughter, Cesha Monique Brown, had cerebral palsy, and it was a United Way agency that helped them deal with many of the challenges of her illness. That assistance began Carolyn’s lifelong support of the network.
David Ovalle, owner of Livi’s Mexique Restaurant and a former student of Carolyn’s, joined the United Way Board of Directors this year. He launched the “First Friday” campaign at his restaurant, partnering with Ruiz Meat Market to sell barbecue chicken plates on the first Friday of every month to benefit the 20 organizations supported by United Way. David said, “Ms. Schmies encouraged us to be innovative and motivated us by the example of her dynamic leadership.”
Carolyn volunteered and held leadership roles with several community organizations, including Literacy Volunteers of Laredo, Women’s City Club, Leadership Texas, and the United Methodist Church. She was a woman of faith who truly believed in helping others —
whether through donations, board service, event coordination, or quietly offering prayers for those in need. She was a true example of a dedicated volunteer and often told me, “Peggy, I’m praying for United Way.”
Since taking office in January 2025, Carolyn called me daily to check in. She offered to help United Way by writing the Cuidando Lo Nuestro column. With her background in communications, it was a perfect fit. Our Monday phone calls focused on selecting weekly topics and identifying expert sources. She loved sharing her life experiences and motivating others into action. She prepared thoroughly for every presentation and took her responsibilities seriously, always wanting to be inclusive and thoughtful. She responded to every phone call, email, message, or text and thanked everyone individually for their time, leadership, and support.
As Executive Director of United Way, I can honestly say Carolyn was the board member we all dream of having. She was always ready to help — making calls, attending events, selling tickets, or donating door prizes. She responded promptly and consistently expressed gratitude, often replying with “THANK YOU” and “YOU ARE WELCOME.” In fact, on Monday, she responded to our special events group chat with, “See you at the meeting on Friday.”
Carolyn strongly believed that volunteering meant following through — not just having your name on a roster, but actively helping others and sharing God’s love and blessings. She was a beautiful soul who touched so many lives.
In Laredo, Carolyn led United Way campaigns while employed at General Motors, Packard Electric, Delphi, and later at Laredo College. She organized committees and inspired faculty, staff, and students to get involved and make a difference.
David Ovalle, owner of Livi’s Mexique Restaurant and a former student of Carolyn’s, joined the United Way Board of Directors this year. He launched the “First Friday” campaign at his restaurant, partnering with Ruiz Meat Market to sell barbecue chicken plates on the first Friday of every month to benefit the 20 organizations supported by United Way. David said, “Ms. Schmies encouraged us to be innovative and motivated us by the example of her dynamic leadership.”
Carolyn volunteered and held leadership roles with several community organizations, including Literacy Volunteers of Laredo, Women’s City Club, Leadership Texas, and the United Methodist Church. She was a woman of faith who truly believed in helping others —
whether through donations, board service, event coordination, or quietly offering prayers for those in need. She was a true example of a dedicated volunteer and often told me, “Peggy, I’m praying for United Way.”
Since taking office in January 2025, Carolyn called me daily to check in. She offered to help United Way by writing the Cuidando Lo Nuestro column. With her background in communications, it was a perfect fit. Our Monday phone calls focused on selecting weekly topics and identifying expert sources. She loved sharing her life experiences and motivating others into action. She prepared thoroughly for every presentation and took her responsibilities seriously, always wanting to be inclusive and thoughtful. She responded to every phone call, email, message, or text and thanked everyone individually for their time, leadership, and support.
As Executive Director of United Way, I can honestly say Carolyn was the board member we all dream of having. She was always ready to help — making calls, attending events, selling tickets, or donating door prizes. She responded promptly and consistently expressed gratitude, often replying with “THANK YOU” and “YOU ARE WELCOME.” In fact, on Monday, she responded to our special events group chat with, “See you at the meeting on Friday.”
Carolyn strongly believed that volunteering meant following through — not just having your name on a roster, but actively helping others and sharing God’s love and blessings. She was a beautiful soul who touched so many lives.
In October, Carolyn celebrated her 77th birthday. Her husband, Kenneth Schmies — also a past president of United Way of Laredo — took her on a first-class vacation to Los Cabos, Mexico, where family members joined them. She was overjoyed by the trip and said it was the best birthday gift she had ever received.
Carolyn lived life to the fullest. She was a beacon of light and hope to everyone she met and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers remain with her family and friends.
— Peggy Duncan
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