Sonia Angell Schmitt

Sonia Paterka Angell Schmit, 83, died at home in Walla Walla, January 23, 2018. Born and raised in Walla Walla she was the third child of Vern S. Angell and Mabel Paterka Angell (Paddock). She attended Green Park School, Walla Walla High School and Whitman College.

At Whitman she was active in Delta Gamma sorority and graduated in 1955 with a degree in history and a teaching certificate. While at Whitman she met Californian Carl J. Schmitt. On one of the hottest days of August, in 1956, they were married at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and moved to San Francisco, California.

Carl began his banking career and Sonia devoted herself to raising their children and to volunteering in each community in which they lived. She spent her life doing what she could to make the lives of those around her better, working quietly and tirelessly as a member and leader in many organizations. Education, women’s issues, art and music, children and history and preservation causes caught her attention.

Her children, Carl P. and Emily brought joy and adventure to her life. The family explored the California coast from Monterey to Mendocino, with particular interest in its marine life and history. In Carmel she enjoyed watching her husband and son’s SCUBA bubbles from the bluffs above a cove in Point Lobos and she delighted in seeing her daughter ride her horse and, sometimes rode with her. Sonia enjoyed playing tennis, walking her dog, and traveling with Carl. She brought her love of learning and teaching to her interest in art, antiques, history and literature. She was a voracious reader, an avid cook and a friend to everyone she met. There was always time for a cup of coffee, a shortbread cookie and a good conversation.

Upon retirement, Carl and Sonia returned to Walla Walla with a plan for a quieter life. That plan was short-lived. The city of Walla Walla’s plan to tear down the historic Whitehouse-Crawford building turned that plan upside down. A campaign to save the building was launched, the building was saved and restored and a restaurant was born. Whitehouse- Crawford Restaurant opened in 2000 and continues under chef and friend, Jamie Guerin. The Whitehouse Crawford is now a registered state and federal historic building and, fine dining to complement the fine wines of the region, is Sonia and Carl’s lasting legacy.

Sonia is survived by Carl P. and Ann Schmitt of Walla Walla, and Alex and Emily Schmitt Wigley of Vashon; grandson, Maximilian Wigley of Seattle; and granddaughter, Annie Wigley of Yelm, Washington. And, Truffle.

Preceded in death by husband, Carl in 2008; and by her sisters, Carolyn Angell Corliss and Lucille Angell White.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 24, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 323 Catherine Street, Walla Walla at 2 p.m. Receptions will follow at the church.

The family encourages you to give any remembrances to the philanthropy of your choice.