Dorothy Hazel Schwartz

Born in Star City, Saskatchewan mom was the youngest of the Jackson 3 siblings, all raised in Shell Lake, Saskatchewan. She would describe her childhood as “full of fun, but my brothers would leave me behind a lot, with the dog”. They enjoyed the life a small town provided. Summer days at the lake, winter skiing, riding on the dray to deliver milk and cream, and the community knowing every move they made.

In 1946 Mom moved with her parents to the west coast to join her brother Jim and wife Esther, and they settled in Langford. Mom worked first at the Hudson Bay, then the law office Crease & Co. In the evenings and on weekends she was active in the Langford Ladies softball team and enjoyed dance events at the Colwood Golf Club.

In 1949 she married Mell Schwartz, whom she had known since primary school. They settled in Victoria, then in 1987 in Sidney. In her early married years Mom was active at St. Aidan’s United, Eastern Star, and worked part time at Sears. In retirement Mom and Dad enjoyed RVing, and winters in Yuma, Arizona. She was a founding member and an active volunteer of the Sidney Lawn Bowling Club, enjoyed weekly bridge, and the occasional golf game. Mom’s final 8 years were in the comfort and care at Berwick Royal Oak.

We have had the privilege of growing up with a mom who always gently guided us with love and support, no matter what crazy ideas we came up with. She was always involved in our extracurricular activities and was forever there to pick up the pieces when things didn’t go as planned. Mom was a calm, collected lady who enjoyed an adventure, a good laugh, and even zip lining for her 87th birthday.

Mom was predeceased by her parents and brothers Earl (1942) and Jim (2008), our dad (2002) and her granddaughter, Melissa Roberts Olson (2018). She will be lovingly remembered by all of us: Children - Diane Clements (Gerrit), Pat Roberts (Stuart Pitt), and Rick Schwartz (Paula). Grandchildren - Keri Laughlin (Blair Kelley), Chad Roberts, Kelsa Laughlin, Colleen Schwartz, and niece Brenda Horwood (Dennis) and nephew Gary Jackson. Mom will also be remembered by 7 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Her departure has ended a short struggle with dementia. She enjoyed exceptionally good health in her 95 years, and we sincerely thank Dr. Fiona Manning, Drs Ted & Priya Rosenberg and in her last 3 weeks at Sunset Lodge, Dr. Matthew Vaughan.

A a celebration of life for Dorothy will be held Friday, August 12, 2022 at 2:00 PM at First Memorial Funeral Services, 4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria, British Columbia V8Y1B4.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialsaanich.com for the Schwartz family.