Katherine Schwartz, 92

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Obituaries

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Katherine Schwartz, a longtime Westport resident, died Oct. 10. She was 92.

Katherine Schwartz: longtime Westporter. Contributed photo

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she attended college at Sarah Lawrence. On Jan. 6, 1942, she married John “Jack” Schwartz just before he went overseas to join in the efforts of the Army Air Corps in the Pacific theater as a navigator on a B-24 bomber.

She spent the war years building helicopters for Sikorsky. In the years following the end of World War II, the couple moved to Westport, where she remained for the rest of her life.

In 1954, the couple adopted their only son, Kip, who himself remained in Westport until graduation from Staples High School in 1971. Over that time, she virtually adopted Kip’s two close friends, Andrew Green and Bill Turner.

She spent the balance of her life devoted to her family, friends and acquaintances whose happiness and quality of life sometimes appeared to be of more paramount importance than her own, her family said.

Yet, the more she gave of herself, the happier and more fulfilled she became. Whether through her volunteer work for the Red Cross, her artwork, which was quite popular around town, or her quiet counseling of those in need, she was always about putting everyone else first.

She had a special knack for making every person with whom she dealt feel like the most important person in the world.

Thanks to an impressive workout regime that started in her mid-40s and an even more impressive set of genes, she retained her zest for life and indomitable spirit until her body unexpectedly betrayed her in the last four months of her life.

Her ability to withstand life’s myriad of challenges, including the difficult last four months, with constant good humor and grace was an inspiration to all who were close to her, her family said. She was a one-of-a-kind who will be sorely missed.

Her spirit and the contributions she made to the world around her, however, will reside and resonate for years to come with those fortunate enough to have known her

She is survived by her husband, Jack, her son, Kip, and her de facto adopted sons, Andy Green, Bill Turner, and Jim Downing.

A memorial service to honor and remember her life will be held at the Inn at Longshore in Westport on Saturday, Nov. 17 at noon. The Harding Funeral Home in Westport is assisting the family with the arrangements.

To those who would like to make a gesture on Katy’s behalf, please consider a donation to PAWS in lieu of sending flowers. PAWS is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization devoted to the rescue of homeless dogs and their placement in permanent homes. For more information about PAWS, go to http://www.pawsct.org/about.php.

Posted 10/23 at 09:33 AM

Comments: Comment Policy

God Bless you, Katy. I’m honored to have known you.

My condolences to you, Kip, Andy, Bill and Jim and of course, Jack.

Posted by Jean Marie Wiesen on October 25, 2012 at 10:50 PM | #

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