STEPHANIE SCHWARTZ

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STEPHANIE SCHWARTZ January 20, 1916 - August 21, 2005 Absent from the body, present with the Lord. (2Cor 5:8) Peacefully, on August 21, 2005, Stephanie left this world to go home to her heavenly father and also to be reunited with those loved ones who have gone before her. Stephanie grew up in the north end of Winnipeg with her parents and siblings. There she met the love of life, Julius and they married in 1935. In 1939, though, she found herself alone for what turned out to be a very long time, after Julie went to England on the first ship taking Canadian airmen over to fight in the Second World War. During the next five and one half years, she lived and worked in the United States, staying with some of Julie's extended family. In the years following their return to Winnipeg, Stephie (or Honey, as she was affectionately known to her in-laws in the States) and Julie began their family and built their house on Winterton in East Kildonan. They made many friends in their neighborhood over the years and continued to enjoy the company of those made before and during the war. Stephie was the very best homemaker, wife, mother and friend. She was exceptional in the kitchen and just about everywhere and at everything else, especially at making people feel important and valued. She was a vivacious, adventurous, beautiful lady, who attracted people to her throughout her lifetime. Although she outlived many of her childhood friends and most of her siblings, Stephanie always had a gift for new relationships. Stephanie was also an incredibly strong and independent woman. While she had always been that way, this really became clear to her children after Julie passed away in 1991. Hard as that was, Stephanie found a way to carry on. She started travelling all over the world, most recently in January of this year to Hawaii. She kept active in other ways, enjoying bowling at Billy Mosienko Lanes and swimming at the YMCA in East Kildonan. She also continued to look after her house and garden, only very recently deciding that such things were better left to others. Stephie was also a very active member of her church, avidly participating in the crafts group and alter quild and will be sorrowfully missed by her many friends at St. Stephens. They meant so much to her. In addition to Julie, her brothers, Vic, Walter and Steve predeceased Stephanie. Two months ago her oldest son, Ken, also passed away. It was a huge loss. Stephie leaves to morn her daughter Linda Juliette, son-in-law Wayne and grandchildren, Julie and Adam; daughter-in-law Peggy and grandchildren, Robert and Jennifer; son Rick, daughter-in-law Debbie and grandchildren, Mathew, Megan, Steven and Emily; sister Beth; sister-in-law Eva; bother-in-law Fred and sister-in-law Mildred; and many nieces and nephews. Stephie was an inspiration and encouragement to all who knew her and will be greatly missed. A service celebrating her life will be held on Thursday, August 25 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephens Anglican Church, 220 Helmsdale Ave. A private interment will follow. Flowers are welcome, as are donations to St. Stephens. Rock Fontaine Funeral Director is in care of arrangements. More information in that regard can be obtained by calling 223-2576. We love you Mom.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 24, 2005