Search by Name

Search by Name

Helen Schwartz Obituary

Helen A. Schwartz, nee VanBrussel, 97, Beloved wife of the late Jack L. Schwartz and the late George C. Watson. Loving mother of Susan (Nicholas) Jannotta and the late George D. Watson. Dearest stepmother of Marc (Kim) Schwartz and the late Dr. Charles M. Schwartz. Cherished Grandmother of Jennifer (Timothy) VanZant, Kymberly (Kent) Lund/Villup, Geoffrey (Andrea) Watson, Abby (Chad) Eisenberg, Kari Schwartz, Chad (Brielle) Schwartz, and Spencer Schwartz. Fun-loving and energetic Great Grandmother "Gigi" of Leah, Eric, Ashlee, Colvin, Virgil, Laken, Jayden and Payton. She will be remembered for her tremendous kindness, endless generosity, sassy wit, unceasing love of family and friends, and devotion to her husband Jack. She was fiercely independent, and so enjoyed word puzzles, all card games and a good round of Rummikub. She was a strong, beautiful woman who delighted in entertaining and sharing a cocktail (or glass of champagne). Everyone loved her spinach balls, ours never tasted quite as good. We were all exceptionally blessed to have her vibrant spirit in our lives for 97 years. She will be dearly missed. She was truly the Heart of our Family. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Helen's name may be made to the High Ridge YMCA, 2424 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago 60645 (ymcachicago.org/highridge). A celebration of Helen's life will be held on Saturday, October 20th from 1 to 4 p.m. at 6933 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL. We will share remembrances of Helen at 2 p.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Oct. 16, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Schwartz

Not sure what to say?





Ernie and Cindy D'Amico

October 18, 2018

So sorry for your loss. Wishing peace and strength to your family. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Cindy and Ernie D'Amico

October 18, 2018

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Lynne and I reminisce about the wonderful moments we were able to spend with Aunt Helen and Jack. Will will miss you. All our love.

Roger & Lynne Van Brussel

October 17, 2018

Marise Watson

October 16, 2018

My family was lucky enough to have had Grammy in their lives since I married her son George. She was a fabulous mother- in-law to me and a wonderful grandmother to my children. She was the matriarch for the entire family and we all knew it was Grammy's way... it's the law. I had the pleasure to give her, my husband and the family a grandson and she responded just as you can only imagine. Grammy I'm sure you are in charge in your new home too!! Rest In Peace and please keep my seat open to play cards. I Love and will miss you forever. ❤
Marise Watson

Gregg Haberstroh

October 16, 2018

Gregg Haberstroh

October 16, 2018

Kathleen Hendricks

October 16, 2018

We are so happy for the wonderful times we shared. A beautiful and good woman. Will remember her always. She was special. With sympathy and love to all. Bill and Kathy Hendricks and family

Yvette Al-Anaswah

October 16, 2018

We were blessed to have you as a neighbor and miss your inspiring energy and kindness. God bless your soul, rest in peace dear neighbor.

Gregg Haberstroh

October 16, 2018

I am going to cherish all the awesome memories I have of you Grammy! Thank you for all your love and support along the way... and thank you for George... say hello to him for me and I love you all and always will!! You mean a lot to me and I'm so happy I had the opportunity to see you in Las Vegas!! See you all again someday... this is my belief! I love you Grammy!!!

with my beautiful Aunt, 11/7/17

Bobby Bogaert

October 16, 2018

What will I miss most? Her youthful spirit, limitless energy, unfailing generosity, and boundless love of life and family.

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in Helen Schwartz's name

Memorial Events
for Helen Schwartz

Oct

20

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

6933 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL

How to support Helen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Helen Schwartz's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more