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Mindy Schwartz Obituary

Mindy C. Schwartz, M.D.

June 21, 2013

Mindy C. Schwartz, M.D., passed away June 21st, after a valiant and courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was 51. She was an inspiration to all that knew her by how she lived her life. While cancer treatment can be an all-consuming, Mindy was discreet about it and let her actions and accomplishments define her, rather than the cancer. She knew every day was a gift and appreciated what she had, always having positive thoughts and words to share.

She was born in Reno and grew up in a close-knit military family where she learned to make friends easily and quickly. At a young age, she decided to pursue medicine and went on to earn both her undergraduate and medical degrees from Tulane University in New Orleans. Mindy completed residency programs at the University of Pittsburgh in Neurology and at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in Child Neurology. She continued her academic development even as she honed her clinical skills, completing post-doctoral positions with a fellowship in Pediatric Epilepsy and a fellowship in clinical neurophysiology and epilepsy, all at the University of Pittsburgh. She was proud to return to Reno to open her private practice in 1997 and became a highly sought-after expert in the fields of Pediatric Neurology and the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy in adults and children.

Mindy Schwartz's passion for helping others and her modesty defined who she was throughout her life. She was always willing to take time to help friends, family and patients, regardless of a holiday. She made people feel welcomed, invited and included.

Her time at Tulane began her love affair with the City of New Orleans. She returned every year to reconnect with her college friends, the jazz festival, and enjoy all of the food New Orleans had to offer. It was her home away from home. Her time as a military brat gave her the skills to stay connected with all of her friends, regardless of distance or time.

Her spirit and determination were unbridled in her pursuit of being physically fit. At 30 she completed her first marathon. She was always seeking new challenges through training and completing numerous Olympic distance triathlons, skiing, road biking (completed 4 passes in the Death Ride), golf, (hole-in-one on #5 of the Arrowcreek Legend Course) camping, hiking, and yoga.

Physical fitness was a constant in her life. It also allowed her to eat! She had a great love of eating and cooking gourmet food and was always delighted to feed her friends and family.

Mindy is survived by her partner, Marielle Moyer-Schwartz; mother Natalie, father Harold "Hal", Step-mother Marlene; brother Gary and step-sister Kelly O'Day.

Memorial service to be held on Friday, July 12th, from 1-4 pm at Arrowcreek Country Club 2905 Arrowcreek Pkwy., Reno, NV 89511 (775-850-4653)

In lieu of sending flowers, please donate to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, 901 E. Street NW, Suite 405, Washington, D.C. 20004

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

Published by The Reno Gazette Journal and Lyon County News Leader from Jun. 26 to Jun. 30, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Mindy Schwartz

Sponsored by Marielle M. Schwartz.

Not sure what to say?





Nielsen Rojas

February 21, 2015

It's hard to say and express in words what I felt for this woman, I'll write in Spanish:
Querida Doctora Schwartz: Usted siempre estar en mi corazn como la persona que me enseo a ser cada da una persona humana con cada uno de los pacientes, me enseo la importancia de siempre decir la verdad y la importancia de ensear a otros valores adems de darles lecciones acadmicas, la extraamos.

Tahoe,- August 2012

July 25, 2014

Cousin Jeffery with his biggest fan.

July 24, 2014

Could be a bit cold out

July 24, 2014

July 24, 2014

Hanging out with Beignet

July 24, 2014

Sharing Dad's 80th B'Day

July 24, 2014

Beignet and Archer - holding you tight

July 24, 2014

Juno, Cooper and Jack...Patiently waiting

July 24, 2014

The Best of Friends...Missy and Andy

July 24, 2014

July 24, 2014

Moments with Jenna

July 24, 2014

A Great Day on the course.

July 24, 2014

Sharing your 50th with the family

July 24, 2014

A Shining Star

Marielle M. Schwartz

July 24, 2014

To my love,

It has been a little over a year since you passed on yet you continue to shine, with the same brightness, today as you did when you first entered this world.

Mindy - you will never be forgotten. Your energy and love of life continues within those you left behind.

You are The Best...my love, my life, my wife.

July 7, 2014

Mindy was the best at what she did in her career. I sure miss her. She listened, cared and was the only doctor in my 31 years of epilepsy who really knew how to handle my unique situation. The first visit I had with her, she sat with me for over one hour to take in my life history. No one has ever done that. I am so grateful for the short amount of time that she was my doctor. I pray for her family and friends, because I am sure she was an exceptional friend and family member. - Jason B.

Jen Moyer

June 23, 2014

I knew Mindy for the last 3 years of her life and in that time I quickly grew to love her as part of our family. She was the most soft spoken person and yet had a commanding presence that I will never forget. I think of you often and miss you dearly.

April Parker

May 4, 2014

Im happy to say that my son got to have a chance to be a patient of Mindy and he really got to know her as a friend that helped him with his epilepsy. I thnx u Mindy for helping my son overcome his fear of this and God has a new angel up there to watch over all of us down here.

Lisa DeShane

November 12, 2013

Dr.Schwartz was an awesome woman and Dr. She took care of both my daughter then my son!
We feel she bith Saved and lenghtened my daughters life!
She will me missed by family and friends and her patients!
May she red in the arms of the lord through eternity !

Jill Roberson

November 4, 2013

I knew Mindy in medical school. She was a great friend, and a wonderful person. She helped me once when I had no one to turn to. She will be greatly missed.

Barrett Betschart

November 4, 2013

i AM SHOCKED TO SAY THE LEAST. BACK WHEN i LIVED IN RENO, i HAD THE PLEASURE OF SPENDING TIME WITH MINDY. I TAUGHT HER SKIING AT MT ROSE ONE WINTER. ONE OF THE FONDEST MEMORIES WAS WHEN SHE MADE A CHOCOLATE TOOTSIE ROLL BOUQUET FOR ME. SO CLEAVER & OUT OF THE BOX. I AM GLAD SHE HAD A BEAUTIFUL PARTNER IN HER LIFE TO SHARE HER END OF LIFE. MY HEART IS SAD.

Paul Levy

November 2, 2013

I knew Mindy in med school, where she was a funny, caring and kind person. I'm sorry that we had not remained in touch. I'm sure that she will be missed.

October 25, 2013

My son who still lives in Reno, was a patient of Dr. Schwartz for a very long time,he just heard of her passing when he went to his appointment with her this last week, my son, was devastated , he liked her so much and was the best Neo. Dr. he had ever had he is 47 and has had seizures since he was 5. I never met her, but had the privelage of talking on the phone with her about our son, several times as we live in Las Vegas, our sympathy goes out to her family and friends. courages lady, will always be remembered by our son Keith. I remember he use to tell me how they joked around alot when he went for his visits. RIP Mindy..........Keith & Barbara

Teslyn MacDonald (Lenhart)

October 21, 2013

Mindy was the best neurologist I have ever met with. For over a decade she was there helping treat my seizure disorder. I will miss her. I always looked forward to my appointments.

Feather Pritchard

October 11, 2013

Rest in peace on behalf of me, and my son Dr. Schwartz' patient.

October 2, 2013

As I no longer live in Reno, I just now found out about the passing of my former Doctor. I am very sad to hear of Dr. Schwartz' death. I remember her original battle and she was so amazingly strong and beautiful through out. She changed my life with her care and treatment plan of seizures. We laughed a lot behind those doors and while I haven't seen her for years now. I will miss her. My heart and prayers go out to all of her family. Thank you Dr. Schwartz. Your friend, D. Hooper.

Estelle W.

October 1, 2013

We were stunned to hear that our daughter's Doctor, Mindy Schwartz had passed away in June. Our thoughts go out to her loved ones and we want you to know how wonderful she was and what a relief it was to find her when coming to grips with a sudden diagnosis of epilepsy for our daughter. She made such a difference in her treatment plan and she understood the difficulty of a teenager coming to terms with epilepsy. She will be deeply missed and our prayers are with you all.

Estelle W.

October 1, 2013

We had no idea of Dr. Schwartz battle with cancer and were stunned to hear of her passing. She treated our daughter for epilepsy and came in to our lives when we were trying to understand and deal with the diagnosis for our daughter. She was so caring and always explained everything so well. She will be so missed.

Travis Terras

September 20, 2013

It was with shock and sadness that I received news today of Mindy's passing. As my mother's (Cheri Farstveet) doctor who was also fighting cancer, Dr. Schwartz was a true friend, inspiration, and supporter. My mother was so taken with Mindy, that she convinced me to make an appointment - I must say it was a true honor to visit with her. Mindy will be sorely missed, but not forgotten. I know my mother will enjoy her company as they both watch over all of us.

Jen B

September 19, 2013

Mindy was the best, most diligent doctor I've known. She helped my husband and I through some difficult times and never gave up hope on finding him the right treatment. I've called her in a panic in the middle of the night and she was there for me. I can't imagine any other doctor doing that. On top of it, she was just the nicest person... I don't know if I told her what an amazing doctor she was an how much I appreciated her, I hope she knew. She will be greatly missed.

Roxanna Courtney

September 17, 2013

I am so sorry! Here it is September and I've just gotten the sad news. She was a wonderful doctor for my granddaughter. She will truly be missed! We pray for comfort for her family.

Maria Prunty

September 17, 2013

I am completely shocked to hear today that Dr Schwartz is not with us any more. I have been her patient for 15 years now, and I loved her! She was a great doctor. We had Sweden in common. I am from there originally, and she spend time there doing some internship (or something like that). My prayers goes out to her family. I will definitely miss her!

Wayne Pytlik

September 16, 2013

Having been away from Reno for the past 3 months I was saddened to hear about her passing on when I scheduled a visit for when I return to Reno next month.
I will always remember Dr Schwartz for her compassionate care. She never let on about her battle and I admire her strength and courage.
I am lost for words other than my thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones.

April Parker

September 12, 2013

My son started seeing Mindy 9yrs ago and unexpectedly went to another seizure Dr. But the experience of having her as a Dr was good for my son prayers go out to her family and her friends tht lost a wonderful person.

Denney B

September 6, 2013

Dr. Schwartz was my neurologist 14 years ago. She was the only neurologist I trusted, and she will be missed.

Patricia Fullmer

August 7, 2013

Mindy Schwartz was the ONLY neurologist I have ever felt comfortable with in 20 years. I will miss her. My heart goes out to her friends and family. Peace be with you.

Leah M

July 24, 2013

"Dr. Mindy" as we fondly called her.. has been in our lives for over 14 years! She was always there for us with our son, he is now 18, a young man! She helped him through the years to understand that he can accomplish anything & that the seizures don't have to hold him back. We always had great conversations at our appts. We were devistated to hear that she lost her battle with cancer. She will always be remembered as a dedicated doctor & a kind person. She will be missed greatly! Much love to the family, friends & staff of Mindy.

July 16, 2013

What a wonderful and brave woman to continue to help so many while fighting her own battle. I met her while she was caring for my grandson and I appreciated the time she took with my daughter and me to explain his condition, obviously a thoughtful, caring and compassionate woman. I'm sorry my grandson won't have her to direct his treatment and am broken hearted for her family and friends.

The McPeak's

July 12, 2013

Dr.Schwartz was more than a Dr, she was a friend, she never gave up on our daughter even when the symptoms failed to result in a diagnoses. She was our go to person for answers on all things medical and never got frustrated with us as parents. We will miss her very, very much

Joe Chambers

July 12, 2013

I'm thankful to have known Mindi and also to know that Mindi's spirit and energy still exist with with us all.I'll miss our talks about swimming, the small joys of life, and the satisfactions of exercise. Our community has suffered a great loss and our thoughts are with Mindi's family.

Heidi Teague

July 8, 2013

Mindy was my daughters doctor for the treatment of epilepsy. Mindy was a compassionate loving doctor that we were fortunate to have during a very stressful time in our lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family. She will be missed!

Jessica Romano' Campos

July 8, 2013

I'm so sorry that Mindy Schwartz has passed . She was a great doctor and she helped my son with his epilepsy seizures. She will be missed so very much.

Bonnie Turner

July 8, 2013

What can you write in such a small space about a person like Mindy. That she was kind, loved animals, always offered help, was funny, had awesome parents, gave more than she took, loved life like no other? I guess these all describe her and yet they seem so small compared to who she really was. What I loved about Mindy was the way she cared about others. Even my little dog who had epilepsy had Mindy on her case as she failed to respond to her medications. Mindy was a true friend. She was courageous and she stood firm in what she thought was right. Mindy was called away far too soon from those she loved. As always I am sure she left with grace as she took flight on angels wings. My hope now is that she has gathered together all our puppies who have gone to the Rainbow Bridge and is hiking and having fun with them now as she once did when our gang camped in Grey Eagle. To Mindy's family, I am sorry for your loss. To Mindy's friends keep her name alive! Keep fighting for a cure!

Hiking with the gang

July 8, 2013

Awesome smile.... even thru the lifeboat drill

July 8, 2013

Hiking in Grey Eagle CA

July 8, 2013

Hiking with Annie

July 8, 2013

Kristi & John Gutierrez

July 7, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Dr Schwarz's passing. She brought our family great comfort when our son was diagnosed with epilepsy. She was kind, patient and caring. She was by far the best physician we encountered. Our deepest sympathies go out to her loved ones.

Tim Koci

July 7, 2013

Mindy was a great and expert colleague and it was a pleasure to consult on pediatric neurology cases with her. Always looked forward to sitting down with her in the lunch room to discuss biking or triathlon or whatever. Her smiling face and friendly demeanor will be greatly missed at the hospital.

Shari Mason

July 6, 2013

From first a casual friendship at the gym to demonstrating amazing skill and dedication at treating my son's epilepsy Mindy always gave so much of herself to help Logan. Words cannot express our sorrow. Such a tremendous loss- our thoughts are with her family who she frequently spoke of with such love and joy.

Kathy Soom

July 6, 2013

Dr. Schwartz will be greatly missed in the medical field. My deepest condolences to her family and friends that knew she was a special person.

chris kalil

July 5, 2013

Mindy, You broke the mold with your compassion and dedication for serving others. I will miss you. -Cousin Chris

July 4, 2013

July 4, 2013

Sherry Medeiros

July 4, 2013

Sincere condolences to Mindy's family. What started out as "You should meet your cousin's stepdaughter" turned into a wonderful friendship that lasted over a dozen years. So glad that on her last visit to Provincetown, she stayed with us the entire time. Even when she was across the country she was never more than a phone call away from her patients. She will be always remembered and truly missed.

July 3, 2013

Today I found out Dr S passed away and I have a hard time holding back my tears.She meant me to me than others can ever realize,She stood by me from the beginning and believed in me.That meant everything to me...
I don't know how to explain this only Dr S could.All I can do is thank her for being there for me when some of the hardest times in life came along.And I know she's still there...
Thank you Doc,I don't know where I'ld be there with out you.Some day we'll meet again.

Stephanie Medina

July 3, 2013

Our community has lost an amazing woman and great doctor. My heart is saddened by the loss of this giving woman. Dr. Schwartz was my daughters doctor for the past 5 years and she was instrumental in helping our family. My thoughts are with her co-workers and family during this time. Thank you Dr. Schwartz.

jane stevens

July 3, 2013

A neat lady and loving person. I'm sorry she's gone, way too soon. Blessed Be to her loved ones.

Christina Calvanese-Smith

July 2, 2013

Words cannot express what Dr. Schwartz meant to me. She saved my life. It is because of her expertise and compassion I was able to fulfill my dreams of becoming a physician and now a mother. Every time I look at my daughter, I will always be reminded of the gift I have because of her.

Sally Johnson

July 2, 2013

My doctor for over ten years...I will miss our visits. Condolences to the family.

karen lynn

July 2, 2013

Mindy,what a courages battle you fought, with grace and dignity. I am so sorry for your families loss, the lives you touched will carry your memory forward.

Tracy Stanley

July 1, 2013

Dr. Schwartz was the most compassionate doctor that we met during our (now 19 year) daughters battle with epilepsy several years ago. She was always so caring and always wanted to know what was going on in our lives. We are so glad to have had such an amazing women be in our lives and she will be missed. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing.

Christy Bright

July 1, 2013

Thank you Dr. Schwartz you really are amazing... you will be missed. Mindy helped diagnose me when I had my first seizure and helped get me through some really hard times. I am proud to have known her but heart broken to have lost her.... She always went above and beyond as a Doctor... Rest in Peace!

Elizabeth Donahoe

July 1, 2013

Mindy Schwartz was a wonderful person and a wonderful physician. She was kind and gentle and always had a smile for me. She was a great listener. She knew so much about me and my family and always was interested in what we were doing. I know how much she loved her family. I will miss her dearly and can only imagine the sadness of her beloved family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Keri Munson

July 1, 2013

Mindy was an amazing woman and physician. Her genuinely kind and caring spirit will be missed

Robin Sahota

July 1, 2013

I am very saddened by the news of your passing. You fought a courageous battle with the most dignity. You were a great friend to me and the most compassionate person that I've ever known. No matter how you felt, you alway came by work to see how I was or how I was feeling. This definately shows the type of person you really were. I will never for that and especially never forget you my friend. Prayers and Strength to Marielle and to the Schwartz Family. RIP Mindy Schwartz

June 30, 2013

My family will be forever grateful for Dr. Schwartz. The world has lost a wonderful human being. Rest in peace. I hope that Dr. Schwartz is memorialized with good causes, and deeds by the living in her honor.

Debbie Hansen

June 28, 2013

I am so sorry for the the loss of such a wonderful person, Dr. Mindy Schwartz. She touched our lives about 15 years ago with a answer to my sons siezures. I remember that day in her office like yesterday she answered my prayers in helping him. My heart and prayers go out to her family and friends.

Sandie Trounson

June 27, 2013

I am deeply saddened by the news of Mindy's passing. She saved my son's life a number of years ago, with her treatment of his epilepsy. A huge loss for our community. My sympathies to her loved ones. I know myself and my whole family are sad today.

Marianne Conseur

June 27, 2013

Mindy was an amazing Dr. and friend. We ran together in the Honolulu Marathon and shared many happy times. God Bless all family, patients and friends... Marianne

Lynnette Edmondson

June 27, 2013

Seven years ago my daughter Christina contacted a devasting illness that almost took her life. Dr, Schwartz was the doctor who took over her care and because of her knowlede, expertise, dedication and caring compassion is the reason my daughter is here today. My family will never forget the care, the support, and hope you gave us during such a difficult time. You will be greatly missed Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Greg Chacon

June 27, 2013

I will always remember Dr. Schwartz as a person that made me smile and gave me some hope , what a great woman !

ashley firment

June 26, 2013

Having met mindy through a mutal friend, i am saddened to hear this. Her father Harold and step mother Marlene are very kind people. I am glad i had the oppertunity to meet all these wonderful people. My condolences to the family.

Kathy Esenarro

June 26, 2013

" I had been a patient of Dr. Schwartz for the past 15 years, without her knowledge and compassion, I don't know where I would be today. You will be missed but never forgotten.

Coleen and Audra Simpson

June 26, 2013

Mindy was a compassionate physician for my special needs daughter. She will be greatly missed. We are grateful for the care and understanding we received from her. Our deepest condolences.

Kathy Esenarro

June 26, 2013

Dr. Schwartz had been my doctor for the past 15 years. I want to thank you for being such a wise, compassionate person & doctor, without you I would not be where I am today. I will forever be grateful & you will never be forgotten.

June 26, 2013

June 26, 2013

June 26, 2013

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C Woods

June 26, 2013

My condolences to the family. May you have comfort from the Almighty.

Joni Sisky

June 26, 2013

Mindy, I didn't know you long but we sure had fun playing golf and attending your wedding... U will b missed. But GOD took you away to help with all the baby angles in heaven!!

You will Forever Live in our Hearts

Carol Guariglia

June 26, 2013

A Loved One is not gone,
until they are forgotten!
And to Live in the Hearts of those
left behind is to Live Forever!

Donald and Debbi Naquin

June 26, 2013

In loving memory of a friend and neighbor. Through the years we enjoyed hearing Mindy tell us about her love of the City of New Orleans and of course it's food. We could always strike up a conversation across the fence about her plans. She was always hopeful and I was always amazed to see her jogging, pre-dawn, on my way to work. She never gave up and her loss is loss to us all.

Jan McAvay

June 26, 2013

I worked with Mindy for several years, and she had to be the most caring compassionate physician in Reno. Mindy you will be missed by all. My deepest sympathy to your family. Rest in Peace.

Mary Iljana

June 26, 2013

Mindy, your vast knowledge, expertise and dedication will be missed alongside your friendship, compassion and love. No words can express the void we feel right now. Always in our hearts, Len, Mary, Danielle and Cody Iljana with Amanda Raybould Webster ;(

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