Mary Adelman Schwartz

(Courier News)

MARY ADELMAN SCHWARTZ
AGE: 103
FORMERLY OF PLAINFIELD
Mary Adelman Schwartz, 103, died peacefully at home on May 20, 2010. Born in Plainfield, N.J. in 1907, Mary spent most of her life there before moving to West Hartford, CT in 1994. She was the widow of Samuel H. Schwartz, M.D., daughter of the late Lillian and Harry Edelman. Her life spanned almost the entire 20th century, and the milestones of that century became milestones in her own life. She recalled the novelty of rushing to the window as a child to watch a plane flying by. A graduate of Plainfield High School and the Newark Normal School, she also attended Rutgers University. She began her career in 1927 teaching elementary school in South Plainfield, N.J. She taught school for 8 years before becoming a full-time homemaker and returned to teaching during World War II while her husband was serving with the U.S. Army. After she was widowed in 1960, she taught for another 13 years in Plainfield, first at the Clinton School and then at the Cedarbrook School. She belonged to the N.J. Education Association and the National Education Association. Mary was an active member and on the Board of Directors of the Plainfield Jewish Community Center, where she was chairman of Youth Activities for many years. She was active in the Plainfield Chapter of the American Red Cross and received a Certificate of Recognition for her services as a USO Volunteer. She also served as a member of the Jewish Welfare Board. A life long member of Temple Sholom in Plainfield, N.J., she maintained her affiliations there even after moving to West Hartford and in recent years held the honor of being the congregation's oldest member. She met her husband there, where they both taught Sunday School. Known as an avid reader, Mary read several books weekly throughout her life. She also loved collecting antiques.
She is survived and will be greatly missed by her daughter, Margaret (Peggy) Shapiro and husband, Dr. Ruben Shapiro, of Bloomfield, CT, and her son, Dr. Gordon Schwartz and wife, Rochelle, of Philadelphia. She also leaves loving grandchildren, Susan Schwartz; Amory Schwartz and his wife, Kate Clarke Schwartz; Steven Shapiro and his wife Meg Slavin; Dr. Roger Shapiro and his wife, Dr. Shahin Lockman; and David Shapiro and his wife Julianne Woo, and nine great grandchildren. The family is appreciative of the devoted assistance Mary had from her wonderful caregivers in recent years.
Funeral services will be private. Donations in Mary's memory may be sent to CT Hospice or to any charity of choice. Relatives and friends may call at the home of Peggy and Ruben Shapiro Saturday, May 22 from 7 - 9 pm and Sunday, May 23 3-5:00 pm and 7-9:00 pm.