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LOIS SCHWARTZ Obituary

SCHWARTZ--Lois C., beloved daughter of Dorothy Blaine and Arthur H. Schwartz; devoted sister/sister-in-law of Anne S. and Arthur E. Toft; infamous eccentric Auntie Lolo to Lee Toft and wife Lou, Dory Toft Bleich and husband Jeffery Bleich, Adam Blaine Toft and wife Donna; wacky great aunt to Leah and Paul Bleich, and Henry, Hannah and Emily Toft; alumna of the University of Michigan, LSA Class of 1957, recipient of the 2007 Distinguished Alumni Service Award; lifelong lover of music and opera; avid sports fan; friend and provider to multiple generations of cats. Lois passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday, September 8, after a brief, but valiant battle with leukemia. A memorial service will be held at a time and place to be determined. Friends are asked to make a donation in her memory to a charity of their choosing.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Sep. 9, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for LOIS SCHWARTZ

Sponsored by The Toft Family.

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Alvin Lee

September 3, 2023

Miss Lois all the time. I was on NYC last spring and passed her old building. She was the best! Hope all of you are well.

Alyce Mott

September 3, 2023

I think of Lois so very often and bless each connection she ever made for me. I'm sure she's off a vast spiritual adventure connecting angels now! Alyce Mott

Lee Toft

September 11, 2022

10 years have come and gone since Auntie Lolo left the stage. She taught me many things. I think of her often. Her memory shines brightly in my mind.

Adam Toft

September 8, 2022

Thinking of Lois often, my aunt who died 10 years ago today. 10 years, but no less missed by all who knew and loved her, including myself. I´ve reread the comments and tributes that others have posted. They were true when posted and remain so today. Peace and love.

Alyce Mott

September 3, 2022

I think of Lois all the time. She was the greater connector of people that I ever have known. Lois was constantly thinking of who she knew that would be perfect for you to know. Amazing woman who is definitely remembered by many many people. She, her friend and colleague Herbert Jacoby, my colleague Dino Anagnost, and I had many birthday lunches together in August. Great lady!

Alvin lee

September 3, 2020

To Lee and all of Lois's many friends, we still miss her! My favorite picture of her is with that pig she adopted. I learned so much personally and professionally from her. So glad she was a part of my life. Love to you all.

Alyce Mott

September 3, 2020

Ever and always the great connector. Once you knew Lois you always knew Lois and you have never forgotten her. Enjoy your time with Herb , Dino and Vic

Joe Rossi

September 11, 2015

Just found this memorial today but was remembering my friend, who I met through her work with Manhattan School of Music, just yesterday with an colleague from days at the schoo. I spent many hours chatting with Lois and miss her. Also, had a great time at a couple of Knicks games! -- THANK YOU dear Lois. Sending you all good thoughts. Prayers always.

Jimmy Paulk

October 12, 2012

I knew Lois for decades through her involvement in the contemporary classical music scene in NYC and all over. You knew something was important when you saw Lois at intermission. She was a tireless booster for the music institutions she loved, and especially for UM. My deepest sympathy to her family.

Fred Poole

October 7, 2012

Lois, you were a huge part of my life from the summer of '52 when we were in Holland via the Experiment in International Living, though all those years, the people to whom we were both connected, from our young adult days in New York, connected with Al Prettyman and Susan, and via our big friends in Greece, Ed and Doris, right down through my last time around in Manhattan, when I was living on a block in Chelsea the you got me to – and the connection remained strong after I moved to Woodstock where you appeared at two important points, and back in the city where I would see you from time to time -- never time enough, but for what we had I am deeply grateful.

Michael Comlish

September 18, 2012

Lois, you were a big part of my life for many years, and it was so meaningful to get a quick note from you at the very end (So Lois), though this is still a shock and will never take the place of a final goodbye.

You always believed in me and supported me in my work and never went against your word. What support. You also had a lot of character, a true New Yorker who taught me how to roll with the punches.

As your cat sitter for many years, I was with you when Plutie and Habibi passed, which was hard enough, but it is going to be hard for me to really believe you are gone. I never thought I would end up thinking of you as a spirit guide. Your peppery voice of encouragement and support, as well as wise words of what is important to remember and what is important to let go of, will always be with me.

September 16, 2012

To My Sister,
We are indeed "tied together with heartstrings!" You were, are and will always be a part of me.
Love, Annie

rob schweber

September 14, 2012

I will always remember Lolo as a funny, passionate and outspoken woman, and a wonderful aunt to a lifelong friend. I also recall her as a serious Rangers fan in an era when the team had no prospects for winning a Stanley Cup, and as a New Yorker, a big city lady, someone that inspired me to think that one day I would live in New York, too, and I did years later, just two minutes' walk from her home in Abingdon Square.

Zach B.

September 14, 2012

UM alumni club meetings won't be the same. Thanks for the laughs and stories, Lois. And most importantly, thank you for your kindness and generosity. Your willingness to help others will always be remembered.

Brandon Snook

September 14, 2012

Lois was a special lady who tirelessly supported the arts in every way she could, and was passionate in helping young artists trying to find their way in New York City. I will miss her constant presence at concerts and performances, and her words of encouragement. Her void is already felt.

Alyce Mott

September 13, 2012

Lois and I shared such a love for the music of Victor Herbert. While I am totally shocked at her passing, I am also totally glad to see both responses and such a delightful family surrounding her. I'm also thrilled that I was able to share a DVD of a production of Herbert's Eileen with her before she passed. Such moments are particularly special now.

Alvin Lee

September 13, 2012

Lois was a dear friend for 20 years. Like all her spent time with her, she was loyal, passionate and could make you laugh! I will always smile when I think about her keeping that car to drive to Westchester for all those years! She was one of a kind,

Grethe Holby

September 12, 2012

Ah dearest Lois, I will always remember when you walked into my life, up the ladder and helped me begin the dream of AOP. We have many memories, and you always, no matter how busy you were, sent birthday cards to my children. How did you do that?Thank you for all of life's gifts you gave so freely... to all of
us you loved. I hope you are resting now in peace and happiness. With love, Grethe

Jennifer and Munir Humayun

September 12, 2012

Good-bye Auntie Lolo. you will be missed by our family too. What a wonderful, generous, caring, passionate person you have been to so many people and causes. Your legacy will last long. We will honor your spirit with joy and love.

September 12, 2012

I can't believe she has gone. She was there for everyone. Susan Appel New York, New York

Carolyn Gabbay

September 12, 2012

Lois will be sorely missed for her charming, unconventional and courageous spirit.

Margaret Cassetto

September 12, 2012

Lois! What a gem! It was a joy to work with such a spunky and loyal advocate. I will miss her dearly!

Anisa Nazeer

September 12, 2012

I am deeply saddened and share in the sadness of those left behind. Lois we all will miss you, you were Auntie Lolo to an International family. I will always remember your Big personality and your bigger Heart. I will always think of you when I hear opera.I will always regret not having more opportunity to spend time with you. I will always cherish the time I had. The end of an Era, RIP Auntie Lolo

September 12, 2012

Her devotion to music and love of musicians was amazing, and her support made a difference in many people's lives- she will be greatly missed.

Mary Hathaway

September 11, 2012

A conversation with Lois was like nothing else. She was a great raconteur. And she used to apologize for her non-stop style. How I wish I could hear her voice again.

Ransom Woodson

September 11, 2012

Lois, I'm saddened by your departure, but inspired by the way that you lived! You well known all over because of your generosity and kind spirit! Your hopes for me are finally being realized. I thank you for all that you've contributed to my musical and personal development. With love always!

Kirsten Volness

September 11, 2012

Thanks for all of your support and positivity, Lois. We'll miss you!

Adam Dickson

September 11, 2012

Lois did more outreach for Michigan Music grads in NYC than the University did. She's probably taking her first harp lesson today, or perhaps writing advertisement emails for one of Gabriel's upcoming trumpet recitals. May she rest in peace.

Steve Zwillinger

September 11, 2012

Lois had s strong sense of engagement, a sharp wit and a warmth that made me feel welcome everytime I had the pleasure to be in her company. She will be missed.

Kendal Sparks

September 11, 2012

Lois, your words of encouragement when I was living in Nicaragua meant so much to me. Rest in Peace.

Beth Greenberg

September 11, 2012

Thank you, Lois. Your tireless and generous support of musicians will always be praised. You helped many of us here in so many different ways and we will never forget you.

Lee Toft

September 11, 2012

Auntie Lolo -
You will forever be missed, but never forgotten.
Love, Leezo

September 10, 2012

We looked forward to seeing Lois every year at the Homecoming gathering held at the Zald's home. Her presence will be truly missed.
Harold and Maurice Page

September 10, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Lois was a great supporter of the Center for Contemporary Opera and I always enjoyed chatting with her following our performances. She will be deeply missed.

My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

Jim Schaeffer
General Director
Center for Contemporary Opera

Cassondra Joseph

September 10, 2012

We will all miss your counsel, enthusiasm and joy for life!!

Cassondra Joseph

Colin Weil

September 9, 2012

I miss you already Auntie Lolo. You helped jump-start my NYC life, like so many others. The West Village won't be the same without you. Love, Colin

September 9, 2012

Dear Anne, I am so sorry to hear of Lois's passing. Though we only knew each other briefly, I looked forward to spending additional time with her when she came to Florida. My deepest sympathy to you, Arthur and the family
Donna Chase

Davi Napoleon

September 9, 2012

So sad for this news. Lois cared so much about so many. She was Auntie Lolo not only to those who were her biological nieces and nephews, but to practically every musician who went to the University of Michigan. She'll be missed by many.

Lori Phillips

September 9, 2012

Miss you already, dear Lois. Thank you for all your support over the years. My deep sympathy to all in the family.

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