Mary Jo Schwartz, 88, of West Lafayette, passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Westminster Health Care in West Lafayette.
She was born October 23, 1934, in Waukesha, WI, to the late Vincent J. and Lois M. (Kuenzli) Collins. Mary Jo was a 1952 graduate of Waukesha High School and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1956. On June 29, 1957, she married Richard Scwartz at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Waukesha, WI.
She was a member of Church of the Blessed Sacrament West Lafayette. Mary Jo was the consummate hostess making all feel welcome; neighbors or friends, college students stuck on campus for the holidays, or visitors to functions at Purdue. She was a life-long volunteer, at her children’s schools, scouts, church, and many other organizations. Mary Jo enjoyed playing bridge with several bridge groups, but she most enjoyed the time she had with her family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew her and loved her.
Along with her husband, Richard J. Schwartz; she is survived by 8 children, Richard (Cathleen) Schwartz, II, Stephen (Coralie) Schwartz, Susan (Robert) Owen, Elizabeth T. (Thomas) Fu, Barbara (Jason) Lee, Peter (Kristin) Schwartz, Christopher (Renee) Schwartz, Margaret (William) Braile; 5 sisters, Patricia Andringa, Lois Ferguson, Jacqueline Maratek, Michaela Farner, and Martina Durand; 21 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.
Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Lois Collins and a brother James V. Collins.
Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at Soller-Baker, West Lafayette Chapel, 1184 Sagamore Parkway West, West Lafayette, IN 47906.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am, Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at Church of the Blessed Sacrament, 2224 Sacramento Ave., West Lafayette, IN 47906 with Father Dave Hellman officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2122 Old Romney Rd., Lafayette, IN 47909.
Memorial contributions in Mary Jo’s name may be made to the Richard J. and Mary Jo Schwartz Scholarship at Purdue University.
You may share memories and leave condolences at www.soller-baker.com