Kathleen Didara Schwartz

Kathleen Didara Schwartz
February 4, 1959 – June 19, 2025
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Kathy Didara Schwartz on June 19, 2025. She was 66 years old and had spent more than 40 beautiful years in Okeechobee, Florida, a place she called home and filled with love, warmth, and kindness.
Kathy was more than a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, or friend-she was a light in the lives of everyone she touched. If you were lucky enough to know her, you know that she was truly an angel on Earth. Her presence made you feel seen, heard, and loved. She had a gentle strength, a generous spirit, and a heart big enough to hold the whole world.
Kathy never met a stranger. Her kindness knew no bounds. Whether she was welcoming someone new or comforting someone she loved, she gave her full heart without hesitation. She had a way of making people feel like they belonged, like they mattered-and to her, they truly did.
For 50 years, Kathy shared her life with her beloved husband Rick. Their love was quiet and strong, built on years of shared joy, simple moments, and unshakable devotion. Whether they were taking long rides, visiting Daytona, or relaxing at a campsite, they were happiest just being together.
Kathy adored her family and lived for the moments that brought them close-playing bingo, feeding ducks, laughing around the table, or simply spending time with her daughter, son-in-law and granddaughters. She cherished the small things, knowing those were the moments that made life full.
She is preceded in death by her precious daughter, Sarah Schwartz; her father, Donald Wheeler; her mother, Barbara Shamrock; her father-in-law, Dick Schwartz; her grandmother, Hilda Jensen; and her grandfather, Anthony Jensen.
She leaves behind her husband and soulmate, Rick Schwartz; her daughter, Rachelle Phillips and son-in-law, Joseph; her granddaughters, Jillian and Payton, who were the light of her life; her brother, Danny Wheeler (Adrienne); mother-in-law, Dorothy Schwartz; and sisters-in-law, Ranea Kwiatkowski (Jim), Rhonda Brown (Scott), Sharon Dari, and Diane Guidotti (Gino). She will also be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends.
Kathy's love will live on in the hearts of those she touched. Her memory is a blessing, her life a gift, and her absence a deep ache in the lives of those who loved her so dearly. Though we must say goodbye for now, her spirit remains with us-in every kind word, every gentle hug, and every moment of quiet joy.
Please join us at Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home on September 27, 2025 at 11 am to celebrate her life and share stories.
Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com.
All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972