"I wonder if my first breath was as soul-stirring to my mother as her last breath was to me." ~ Lisa Goich-Andreadis

~~ THANK YOU, DEAR READERS, for taking time to visit my Mom's memorial, for leaving a flower, or for looking at her photos. She would be so happy just to know you thought about her for a moment, and if she were still here she'd most definitely give you a hug because she never met a stranger. Mom loved the whimsical, found joy in everything, and every moment of every day was a celebration for her! Having been diagnosed with lung cancer just 1 week before her death, she faced her prognosis with strength and courage and accepted her fate with dignity and calm resolve. She was our beloved mother, our hero, the strongest woman we have ever known, the wind beneath our wings, and the glue that held our family together. We are all better people because of her.

Thanks for stopping by! ~~

GERALDINE ROSE SCHWARTZ ~

Geraldine Rose (Jerry) Schwartz, 86, of St. Clair, MI, died peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family at 4:35am on Sunday, June 1, 2008. Debuting as lucky number 13 of 13 children, she was born on April 7, 1922, and was the last child born to Frank Westrick and Matilda Goulait. She married Richard C. (Dick) Schwartz on April 12, 1941, and together they celebrated 62 years of marriage before Richard passed away on March 3, 2004.

Jerry was an avid casino enthusiast who was just as happy going to Las Vegas or just across the Blue Water Bridge to Canada, and she loved playing (and winning!) on the 777's quarter, Red, White, and Blue quarter, or the Double Diamond dollar slot machines. She was known to have an occasional string of very good luck which she happily and very generously shared with whomever was lucky enough to be with her at the casino at the time. She also enjoyed feeding the squirrels and watching the mourning doves gather outside her window, loved going to lunch with her kids at Big Boy, and took great pleasure in making her famous 'Jocko sock monkeys' and 'baby kimonos' for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and anyone else in town who was having a baby. Jerry was a kid at heart and meticulously decorated her home for every holiday. Whether it was hanging plastic Easter eggs in the trees outside, flying her beloved American flag on the 4th of July, or saving treasured Christmas ornaments and making sure they occupied a special spot on the tree every year, every holiday held a special importance in Jerry's heart.

Jerry worked at Prestolite Corporation in Port Huron for many years and retired in 1981. She is the beloved wife of the late Richard (Dick) Schwartz. Loving mother of Thomas (Judy) Schwarz, James (Phyllis) Day, Richard (Susan) Schwartz, Julie (Joseph) Elsholz, Catherine Lukovich, and Kelly (Gerald) Silvas. Cherished sister of Genevieve Schwartz. Proud and loving grandmother of 16. Also survived by many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Richard C. Schwartz, Sr., her parents, and 11 brothers and sisters.
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Mom, it used to break my heart to watch you close your eyes and raise your arms in the air and dance around my living room as if Dad were leading the way, accompanied by music only heard in your memory. Your sadness was palpable, you missed Dad so much.

When the moment was close I whispered in your ear. I told you to listen. "Listen for the music, Mom. Dad will be there. He's been waiting for you." And when you heard the strains of the most perfect celestial waltz drifting into your awakening consciousness you opened the door from this life to the next and stepped back into Dad's arms. I felt you let go of my hand as you took hold of his. He held you close once again, and the two of you waltzed across the Heavenly dance floor with elegance and grace. I can't help but wish I could have been there to see the magic that was taking place. I could feel it happening, and as I looked upon your forever beautiful and peaceful face mere seconds after your transition I smiled for you knowing you and Dad were dancing at that very moment somewhere beyond earthly imagination.

I'll love you and miss you, forever and always. ~~ Cathy |--|_