Faithful supporter will be missed


Dr. John Schneider and his daughter, Carol

Carol shows her niece, Christy, the home that bears their family name during a visit to The Center.

Because he cared for others during his 93 years of life on Earth, John Ernest Schneider will be missed, especially his faithful support of The Baddour Center.

One might expect a man who was born in Washington, D.C. to leave a mark on the United States, and Dr. Schneider did just that!

After graduating from the University of Maryland and Georgetown University School of Dentistry, Dr. Schneider's practice grew from a one-bedroom apartment on Connecticut Avenue, which doubled as his family's home, to an employee clinic for the Woodward and Lothrop department store.

Another move brought him to a private practice down the street from the local zoo, where many parents "rewarded" their children with a visit if they behaved at the dental office! Later, his son, Bill, joined the practice, and they - and a majority of Dr. Schneider's original patients - settled into routine check-ups in Gaithersburg, Maryland, until Elizabeth, his wife of 40 years, passed away, and Dr. Schneider retired.

Dr. Schneider's caring way with patients helped his buisness prosper, and thankfully, it is a trait that he did not leave at the office. After Elizabeth's death and his retirement, Pop, as his family calls him, devoted a great portion of his time to finding a place for his daughter, Carol. Like many other families who have loved ones with disabilities, Dr. Schneider hoped to find a place that would provide "incredible care" to Carol, where she would be "nurtured and loved by a very special 'family' of care-givers and friends outside of her immediate family," according to her sister-in-law, Mrs. Sally Schneider.

"We all consider Carol a gift, and we treasure her gift of love," said Mrs. Schneider. "Pop was well aware of all that Carol meant to us, and he wanted Carol to have a living situation where she could enjoy her friends and her work, and develop all of her potential."

After searching much of the United States, Dr. Schneider found the unique, loving atmosphere that he was searching for at The Baddour Center.

Dr. Schneider and Mrs. Elsie, Carol's "second mom," flew from Maryland to visit The Center as often as possible until Parkinson's disease limited his travel.

Each time, though, he saw his special blessing, Carol, living a productive life, where her faith is nurtured, where her pride in home and job are visible, and where she is encouraged to reach beyond what is perceived as limitations, according to Mrs. Schneider.

Like the care he shared with his family and patients, Dr. Schneider cared about The Center. He encouraged others to invest in The Baddour Center and made monetary gifts, including funds for a home that now bears his family name, Schneider Cottage.

Although considered a firm disciplinarian, his family recognizes the "soft spot" that Dr. Schneider had for Carol and the woman she has blossomed into since arriving at The Center. The collages of family photographs in her room are evidence the adoration is reciprocated. "Carol loves her family and all of her friends," said Mrs. Schneider. "We've all visited Carol at Baddour and all appreciate the care she receives.

"That care is summed up in two words: love and faith. When asked to recommend a home for children with special needs, Pop, Elsie, and all of us have endorsed Baddour."

By caring for his family, dental patients, and The Baddour Center, Dr. Schneider made a mark on this world from 1915 to 2008. His generosity and caring disposition will be greatly missed!