Mitzi Lee Schwien

Mitzi Lee Naylor Schwien was born to Santa Monica, California couple Harold Lee, Jr. and Carol Jean Naylor on October 24, 1963, less than a year after her "Irish twin" sister, Tami Lynne (Lloyd) Pruett, who survives her. The following year, her brother, Michael Shawn, who awaits her in heaven, was born sleeping. She is also survived by sister Sandra Amato. Mitzi's parents both predecease her. As a young child, Mitzi's family relocated to Arizona, which will forever be home to a piece of Mitzi's heart.

While in Arizona, Mitzi brought her four precious children into this world, all of whom survive her: Douglas Lee Allen, Lynette Marie Allen, James Joseph Hack, Jr., and Sasha Ann Hack. Mitzi's children were her world, and she never missed an opportunity to boast how proud she was of their many accomplishments. Mother was the most important job for Mitzi. In 1994, Mitzi and her young children moved to Kansas where she finally met and married her one true soulmate, Mitchell Lee Schwien, at their favorite spot in Antioch Park. Mitch and his three young sons, Jason (Jennifer), Joshua, and Jacob Schwien, all of whom also survive Mitzi, were welcomed into her world to be doted on, cooked for, and treated like her own. Mitch and Mitzi gave their seven rambunctious kids a home full of love.

Mitzi also loved being a grandma and aunt. Mitzi's grandchildren are Benjamin, David, Nolan, Adrian, Ahnalee, Lydia, and Gabriel. She had four nieces and nephews and a dozen great nieces and nephews. All survive her and will miss her dearly. Mitch's sisters, Torri and Michelle, considered Mitzi a sister too and spent hours gabbing with her every chance they got. In her later years in Western Kansas, Mitzi and Mitch became close to Jim Mollenkamp, their mailman by chance and best friend by choice. Mitzi also endeared herself to individuals all over the world via internet, so the ripples of her passing travel thousands of miles. Countless pets in heaven now have their two-legged momma back.

If you were lucky enough to be loved by Mitzi, then you got phone calls on your birthday, an abundance of "squishy hugs," gifts for no reason, healing stones and prayers when you were unwell, and the blessing of a real friend. Mitzi endeavored to know her purpose in life, the good in all people, the wonder of nature, and the miracle of what's beyond. She never met a stranger. A lifelong learner, Mitzi earned several degrees, had a deep thirst for knowledge, and read dozens of books each year.

On December 8, 2022, at home with her husband by her side, Mitzi passed away peacefully. She was taken too young but has been spared the pain of her debilitating condition. In lieu of flowers, please recognize Mitzi another way. Connect with a long lost relative or friend, learn something new, feed a stranger, make a difference in someone's day, or just loan your ear and maybe your shoulder to a person who's hurting. When given an opportunity like that, just ask yourself, what would Mitzi do, and do it in her honor.