Julia Claire Schmidt

Julia Claire Schmidt, a sweet and beautiful spirit, passed away tragically at the age of 24 on Easter Sunday, April 17th, 2022. There are no words to describe the grief and loss felt by her loved ones and friends right now. At the time of her death, Julia was living happily in Chino, CA with her boyfriend of 5 years, Ryan Sanchez.
Julia is survived by her mother, Pamela Wooten (Burke) of Peoria, AZ; her father, Paul Schmidt of Layton, UT; her sisters Tory Schmidt and Andee Schmidt of Phoenix, AZ, and Skye Wooten of Peoria, AZ; her brothers Cole Schmidt of West Haven, UT, and Boone Wooten of Peoria, AZ; her grandparents Donna Stansberry of Panama City, FL, and Marlo and Judy Schmidt of Mukilteo, WA; her numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins from various locations around the country; and her cat, Draco.
Julia blazed through this life with kindness, passion, intelligence, creativity, humor, determination, boldness and strength. There is no doubt that Julia's untamable spirit is soaring above us with a watchful and caring eye. Julia was happy in her life, but not yet satisfied -- determined to attain many goals, achievements and milestones. The youngest daughter of an Air Force family, Julia was born February 25th, 1998 in Newport News, VA and experienced many adventures while living in Virginia, Italy, South Carolina, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Jersey and California; and traveling to visit family in Florida, Tennessee, and Washington, and vacationing in Canada, Mexico and other destinations.
Julia graduated in 2016 from Valley Vista High School in Surprise, AZ, and completed a year of college at Arizona State University before bravely and boldly pursuing a career in acting, attending numerous workshops, performing on stage, and playing roles in short films and commercials.
Julia loved her family, her many friends, music, festivals, outdoor adventure (lakes, hiking, snow/water skiing, camping, and even a little fishing), trying new foods, playing games, watching movies, creating cocktails (espresso martinis were her favorite), dressing in bold fashion, and especially acting! Julia learned how to sew and customize clothing for herself during the pandemic. She also loved cooking and was a passionate vegetarian because of her love for animals. Throughout high school, Julia excelled in drama and theater. After graduation she continued to develop her craft, piecing together an impressive demo reel of short film performances. While pursuing her acting career, she continued working hard in the food service industry as a waitress, barista, and bartender, after obtaining her bar tending license at age 19. In January 2022, Julia completed a professional acting role in California.
There will be a Celebration of Life on April 30th from 5 to 7 pm at Spokes on Southern in Tempe, AZ. In lieu of gifts and flowers, donations should be made to a local animal shelter in Julia's name.