Charlene M. Schwartz

Charlene M. Schwartz

Charlene M. Schwartz (nee Froehlich), age 89. Married for 52 years to the love of her life, the late David A. Schwartz. Mom to her beloved children the late Michael D. Schwartz and Michele (yes, one L) (Michael) Hoff; Gramma/Googra to Matthew, Michael, and Maggie (Daniel) Wilocki; Great Gramma/Googra to Dylan Hoff (son of Matt) and David and Michael Wilocki.

Charlene worked at Walgreens Drugstore while in High School from 1951-1953 as a soda jerk/waitress at their lunch counter. That is where she met Dave and that was that! After graduation from Hirsch High School she married Dave on August 1, 1953.

Charlene worked for a short time at Brinks as a secretary and at People’s Gas as a key punch operator before beginning her 45 year career at Santa Fe Railroad.

At Santa Fe, Charlene started as a typist working her way to secretary in the Purchase Department then secretary in the Law Department advancing to Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of the Law Department. Ending her career as a Manager of Office Administration. Because of her accomplishments in the pursuit of quality and excellence at Santa Fe, she was a recipient of the Cyrus K. Holliday Founders Award.

It wasn’t all work, she sang in the Santa Fe Choir which had a beautiful Christmas show for years. She played on the company’s softball team in the Grant Park Powder Puff League.

In her retirement, she enjoyed fun times with her family. She enjoyed her lady golf leagues, her LGH aquasize class and the friendships that they shared as well as the many luncheons she always enjoyed.

Charlene now joins her mother and father Nyvonne and Charles, her sister Faye, her husband Dave, and her son Michael.

Charlene loved life, family and friends. Don’t be sad that she has died, be happy she lived!

Visitation Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 10:30 am until time of Service at 12:00 noon at the Elmwood Chapel 11200 S. Ewing Ave. Chicago with a luncheon to follow. A private family burial will be held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. For more information 773-731-2749