Andrea Paroskie Schneider, a dedicated nonprofit professional, community builder, and beloved matriarch, passed away on March 10, 2026, in Wellesley, Massachusetts, at the age of 51. Her death followed a battle with pancreatic cancer a diagnosis she faced with the same quiet strength and resilience that characterized her entire life. Remembered for her strategic mind, extraordinary organizational skills, and unwavering commitment to social equity, Schneider left an indelible mark on both her local community and the broader Massachusetts philanthropic sector.
Early Life & Education
Born on March 2, 1975, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Janet Damiata and Robert Paroskie, Andrea was raised in the neighboring suburbs of Arlington and Lexington. Her early years were defined by a strong foundation of family values and an inherent curiosity about the world. Growing up, she developed a reputation as a thoughtful, active, and driven individual, traits that were evident during her time at Lexington High School.
Following her secondary education, Schneider attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York, where she majored in Art History. This academic pursuit provided her with a critical lens for understanding culture, human expression, and societal narratives. The rigorous liberal arts education also honed her communication and analytical skills—competencies that would later serve as the bedrock for her successful tenures in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
Career Zenith & Contributions
Schneider’s professional journey began in the fast-paced world of advertising, where she developed expertise in project management, strategic outreach, and client relations. Her time in the corporate sector equipped her with a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to problem-solving.
After becoming a mother, Schneider paused her traditional career to focus on raising her children, navigating life as a new parent in both the San Francisco Bay Area and the Boston area. When she decided to re-enter the workforce, she consciously pivoted toward the not-for-profit sector, seeking a role that aligned with her core values of empathy and community support.
She found her professional home at Dignity Matters, a prominent Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization. The organization is dedicated to addressing “period poverty” by collecting and distributing free menstrual products, bras, and underwear to women, girls, and transgender men who are homeless or financially disadvantaged. Schneider’s work at Dignity Matters perfectly matched her innate desire to provide tangible, dignified support to vulnerable populations. She leveraged her background in advertising and her meticulous organizational skills to advance the nonprofit’s mission, helping to streamline operations and expand their reach to those in critical need.
Leadership & Affiliations
While Schneider’s professional affiliations were anchored in her impactful work at Dignity Matters, her leadership extended deeply into grassroots community building. She possessed a unique philosophy on family and social development, prioritizing the cultivation of diverse, inclusive social circles.
Schneider was an active, organizing force in her community. She was known for meticulously planning and leading initiatives that brought people together, from dinner and book clubs to expansive outdoor expeditions, including hiking, camping, and visits to national parks. Her leadership style was not defined by formal titles, but by action and purpose; she had a natural ability to listen without judgment and guide with sincerity, making her a trusted confidante and mentor to many in the Wellesley area.
Legacy & Impact
Beyond her professional and civic achievements, Andrea Schneider’s most cherished role was that of a mother and wife. She poured her heart into her family, intentionally designing a life that exposed her children to a wide array of experiences and perspectives. When she was not working or organizing community events, she could be found skiing the slopes of Vermont, lacing up her running shoes, traveling, or exploring new culinary recipes.
Schneider’s legacy is one of pragmatic compassion. She is survived by her husband, Randy Schneider; her son, Cody; her daughter, Phoebe; her parents, Janet Damiata and Robert Paroskie; her sister, Allison Wheeler; and her brother, Robert Paroskie.
She leaves behind a Wellesley community and a philanthropic network that are fundamentally better for having known her. Her life stands as a testament to the profound impact one individual can have through a combination of professional dedication, community engagement, and an unwavering devotion to family.
Funeral services to honor Andrea Paroskie Schneider are scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley, Massachusetts, with interment following at Beit Olam East in Wayland, under the care of Brezniak Funeral Directors.