The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a member of the Purdue DVM Class of 2009, Dr. Jennifer Anderson-Schmeltz, of Mishawaka, Indiana, who died June 13 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 42.
A native of Centralia, Illinois, Jennifer later moved to Boca Raton, Florida where she demonstrated her ability as an extremely talented volleyball player in middle school. She continued with the sport in high school, competing at a high level, becoming the team captain and leading the team to be Runner-up in the Florida State Volleyball Championship.
Another strong trait in her life was her extraordinary love for animals, which she displayed from a young age. As a five-year old she informed her parents that she wanted to become a veterinarian and never wavered from that dream. Accepted into the Vet Scholars Program at Purdue University, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Sciences in 2005 and her DVM degree four years later.
After graduating in the Purdue DVM Class of 2009, she worked for a year as a mixed animal veterinarian in Georgia where she enjoyed working with large animals such as cattle and horses along with dogs and cats. She then returned to the Midwest and achieved her greatest professional goal in 2010 when she purchased Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic in Mishawaka.
Known in veterinary practice as Dr. Anderson, she took great pride in leading her team and caring for the many animals and families who came through the clinic doors. In 2017, she attended the Chi Institute and became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. She was a member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, Michiana Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Feline Practitioners, and Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society.
Dr. Anderson also had a heart for community support and demonstrated her love for animals beyond her clinic by serving on the board for the Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend. She also supported the local humane societies by performing spay and neuter surgeries. Dr. Anderson believed deeply in giving back and was committed to making a meaningful difference in her community.
Another important milestone in Dr. Anderson’s life came in 2013 when she married Adam Schmeltz, a fellow Purdue Agriculture graduate, after they had dated for 11 years. As a couple, they shared a love for travel, with trips to Europe, Hawaii, Bora Bora, Mexico, Costa Rica, several islands in the Caribbean, and an African safari. They also loved supporting their children in their activities. Additionally, Dr. Anderson enjoyed staying active and playing pickleball.
To accommodate the many families, friends, and clients Dr. Anderson served throughout her career, visitation is scheduled this afternoon, Friday, June 20, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark Missionary Church, 55240 Bittersweet Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545.
An additional hour of visitation will take place tomorrow, Saturday, June 21, beginning at 9:00 a.m., and leading up to the 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4508 Vistula Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46544, where Dr. Anderson was a longtime member. Those unable to attend in person are invited to join a livestream of the funeral service, so everyone can honor and remember Dr. Anderson together. The Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Osceola has been entrusted with the arrangements. Click here to view the complete obituary on the funeral home website, which includes a link to use to join the livestream.
Dr. Anderson will be greatly missed by her family, employees, colleagues, and the many clients she helped as a veterinarian. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in her memory to Caring Cove Hospice for the care given to her and the family. In addition, the Guestbook tab of the obituary page on the funeral home website includes links to light a virtual candle, share a story of Dr. Anderson’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family.
