Annette Sterman Schwartz

Annette was born on August 21, 1923 in Buffalo, New York to Pearl and Nathan Sterman. In June 1945, she became engaged to the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Schwartz after meeting him at a B’nai B’rith dance. They married on March 30, 1947 and had a wonderful marriage of 65 years, raising four beautiful children, and enjoying many adventures together.

Annette had many passions including Mah Jongg, poetry, swimming, bowling and dancing. Nettie could often be found playing Mah Jongg for hours at family gatherings, tournaments or with treasured friends. Her knack for writing began after her 50th birthday, and she published three books of original poetry and an autobiography entitled, On My Way to 100. She was an accomplished swimmer, receiving a medal in the National Senior Olympics for the 500 meter swimming event at the age of 88. In addition to winning medals for swimming, she and Bob won gold medals for bowling. While she didn’t quite make it to 100 years old, she lived a very full life!

Judaism was also very important in her life. She was an active volunteer at Seven Acres. She was also a longtime member of Hadassah serving as president of many different groups, including hosting the first meeting of the Chai group at her Woodlands home in 1984. Annette was very proud to have her adult Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Beth Yeshurun in 2007 at the age of 83!

Although Annette had many passions, family was the most important part of her life. She spoke to her three brothers weekly, could often be found spending time with her daughters in Houston, was always checking in on her sons who lived out of town and enjoyed staying in touch with relatives around the world. She cherished time with her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Annette was proceeded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Robert Schwartz, her son-in-law Barry Hertz and her brother, Avy Sterman.

She is survived by her children, Susan Hertz, Michael (Bonni) Schwartz of Glendale, AZ, Donna (Kenny) Baum, and David (Lori) Schwartz of Tampa, FL, as well as her grandchildren, Scott and Brian (Jennifer) Hertz, Jeremy (Abril) and Melody Schwartz, Andy (Rachel) Baum, Lauren (Max) Gad, Stephanie (Steven) Schiff and Jeffrey Schwartz (fiancée Carver Karaszewski) and great-grandchildren, Isaac, Avram, Maya, Eden, Ari, Barrett and Nomi. She is also survived by her brothers Joe and Irving Sterman. The family wishes to thank her wonderful caregiver, Fani.

She has left a wonderful legacy and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hadassah or the Robert Schwartz Memorial Fund at Temple Sinai.

A graveside service, that will also be live streamed, for Annette will be held Monday, November 8, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77074.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Schwartz family.