Christina Schwerer

Christina Schwerer, 98 years old, passed away the evening of March 26, 2026 in Brooklyn, New York.

Christina, was born the eldest daughter of Henry Sr. and Sabina (Canavan) Schwerdtman on June 23, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY. Christina was only four years old when she lost her mother who died giving birth to her sister Patricia, who died in infancy. Years on, as the eldest daughter, she took on the responsibility of helping to make a home for her brothers and sisters, alongside her devoted father. Her father was so dedicated to raising his family that he did not remarry until all of his children had done so. Although growing up during the depression was difficult, he made sure they always had food to eat, a warm bed to sleep in, were properly educated and, above all else they had each other.

Christina, was a proud Army Veteran and retiree of AT&T. She began her career at AT&T as an elevator operator and working her way up the ranks to an Administrator in their Human Resources Department.

Christina was the sole provider for the majority of her daughter’s childhood, Christina was a proud and independent woman who always ensured Donna (and others) had everything they needed and then some, often times doing without herself for the sake of others.

Christina was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Sr. and Sabina, her step-mother Amy; her brothers Thomas Sheridan Jr., Henry “Jimmy” Jr. and George Schwerdtman Sr.; her sisters Margaret Kehoe, Mary Nannery and Patricia; her sisters-in-law Valda Sheridan, Patricia and Marion Schwerdtman; brothers-in-law Edward Kehoe and Jack Nannery. Christina was the last of her generation.

Christina is survived by her daughter, Donna McConnell; her grandchildren Christopher (Kathie) of Columbus OH, Billy (Nicole) and Michael (April) of Staten Island, NY; great grandchildren Justin and Kamryn of Columbus, OH and Julia and Christopher of Staten Island.

Christina supported a number of charities however her favorite over the years was St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, always grateful her child, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren did not suffer as others do.

As per Christina’s wished there will be no formal services. The family will gather at a later date to celebrate Christina’s life.