Darlene J. Schwarz

Darlene J. Leuschner Schwarz died January 10, 2021 at her beautiful vacation home on Carolina Beach, following a long and valiant battle with pancreatic cancer, and passed away with loved ones by her side and in her heart. Darlene was born to Joseph and Eugenia "Jean" Leuschner and was a lifelong resident of Schenectady. She was educated in Niskayuna schools and continued her education at Endicott College in Beverly, MA and Northeastern University in Boston. Trained originally as a physical therapist, she soon put her hands and talents to work as a small business owner, The Woman's Touch, specializing in residential remodeling, wallpapering, decorating, and historical restorations. She had an antique shop on Upper Union Street and also conducted estate sales for families throughout the Capital District. She was a person of deep faith, and was a lifelong member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Schenectady. Throughout the joys in life, as well as the struggles, she knew that God was always by her side. Darlene was a fierce, protective, and loving caregiver to her Mom and Dad, her brother Peter Leuschner, and her first husband, Theodore "Ted" Schwarz, as they were leaving this world. She is also predeceased by Raymond Hotaling and her dear friend from Endicott, Cheryl Alderman, with whom she served for many years on the Alumni Board of Endicott. Darlene lived every day as a new adventure, and her love and joy were contagious. Although Darlene had many interests and hobbies, fishing was at the top of her list. But the widest net she cast was from her heart, where she gathered people from all walks of life into her net. With her beautiful blue eyes, she could see right into our hearts, and always saw the good inside us all, in spite of our many flaws. She was truly a beautiful force of nature, brash and bold, while being loving, kind and uncomplaining at the same time. This was a special gift from God that she gave to all of us who knew and loved her, especially the children in her world. She gave freely of her time and talents to anyone who needed them. She was a loyal and generous supporter of over 30 years to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Schenectady. She served for over 11 years on the Board of Directors, where she helped to plan and shepherd in the new Adeline Wright Graham clubhouse. This beautiful building has served the citizens of Schenectady in an amazing way during the COVID-19 pandemic. Darlene is survived by her loving and devoted life partner and wife, Debra Hotaling, mother-in-law, Jeannine, brother-in-law Michael, and cousin, Doug (Cindy) Hotaling. Also, by her German family Regine (Wilfred) Kunert, their children Jan (Susanne) Kunert, Jill (Johnny) Geiselhart, grandchildren Josie, Coco,and special Godson Liam Geiselhart. Also, by her "other" sister, Karolee (Ken) Moore, her children Natalee, Kennedee, special Godson Patrick, and Kacey, and grandchildren Dameree, Sage, Kearsten and Briar. Also by Peter's family, Don Bergeron, Linda Santiago and Barbara Evans. Also by Jeanette Giaquinto, Yolanda Duran, Lynda Beth Raffuel, Richard Royer, Valerie Kircher Leto, and a multitude of family and friends in the Capital District, Germany and Carolina Beach. Special heartfelt thanks go to the "helpers" on her journey, Drs. Agrawal, Shah and Knudsen, and dedicated staff at Duke University Medical Center's Cancer Center at Raleigh, Dr. Arb and the wonderful staff at the Zimmer Cancer Center at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, and hospice nurses Rebecca and Cathy of Lower Cape Fear Lifecare. Thanks also go to the other helpers in our life, Jim and Johanna, Cindy and Jamie, Kevin, Jeff, Joe, Anthony, Glen, and all who prayed, called and comforted us along the way. Funeral arrangements are private. Post-pandemic, there will be a memorial service announced at Zion. For all those whose lives were touched by Darlene and who wish to do so, contributions may be made in her memory to the Boys and Girls Club of Schenectady, P.O. Box 466, Schenectady, NY 12301, or at www.BGCSchenectady.org.