Martha Rose Schwartz

Martha Rose Schwartz passed away Monday, August 16, 2004 with her husband, Ken, and her children, Lorraine and Jan at her bedside.

Martha was born Nov. 14, 1925 to Anthony and Rosalie Riggio, and grew up in southwest Los Angeles. Depression life was spartan for the Riggio family. Strong traditions of family loyalty, trust, honesty, sharing and service to others were the cornerstones of her life. She met her husband-to-be in 1942 while attending Fremont High School in Los Angeles. They wed in 1946 while Ken was in the Air Corps. They celebrated 58 years of marriage this year. She moved to San Luis Obispo in 1952 when Ken took a position teaching architecture at Cal Poly.

Martha was dedicated to her family and her community. Martha became a Camp Fire Girl leader when daughter Lorraine entered second grade. Her group was active in community service and camping, growing in size to 22 girls at high school graduation. Martha dedicated many years serving and improving the Camp Fire Girls' Camp Natoma. Martha received both the Farnsworth and the Gulick service awards, the highest Camp Fire awards. She served 30 years with Camp Fire Girls. She was active with her son Jan's Cub and Boy Scouts. Martha was honored with a lifetime PTA Membership. She served as president of the League of Women voters from 1983 until 1987. Martha served as president of the Monday Club, and her love of music was translated into music scholarship recognitions for high school students and later expanded to include art and scholarship programs.

During husband Ken's 1969-79 tenure as SLO Mayor, Martha took on the responsibilities of 'First Lady' with wit, charm and a great sense of humor. The appearance of San Luis Obispo was very important to her. Martha was a charter member of the Obispo Beautiful Association,

serving as the chair for eight years and secretary-treasurer for the last 14 years. She helped obtain the Jack House and Gardens for the City. She became a member of the Jack House Committee and chaired the Docent Group for the last 12 years, leading tours and training new docents.

Martha enjoyed traveling, touring all 50 states, 41 countries and all 7 continents. She was an excellent cook, weaver and gardener. Martha enjoyed singing and was a member of the Sweet Adelines, a women's barbershop chorus.

Her family includes daughter-in-law, Laurie Miller Schwartz; Lorraine's companion, Peggy Polock; grandchildren, Chad, Aaron, Kenneth and Robert Hamilton, Brian and Sharon Schwartz and Carrie and Jennifer Miller.

Contributions in Martha's memory may be made to SLO County League of Women Voters, Central Coast Council Camp Fire USA Natoma Campership program; Monday Club Music, Art and Scholarship program or The Jack House Trust Fund.