Hilde Helene Schwartz

Hilde Schwartz, born on April 2, 1928, in Hamburg, Germany, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, October 12, 2024, surrounded by family in Dallas, Texas. Her passing coincided with the Jewish holiday, Yom Kippur, the highest of holidays, where Jews are to focus on one's connection to God.

Hilde was a survivor. In August of 1939, Hilde, along with her mother, came by boat to America with one container of their belongings, 800 grams of silver, and $30. One month later, Hitler invaded Poland, which initiated World War II in Europe.

Even with enduring difficult life circumstances as an 11-year-old, Hilde thrived on making friends and having a positive attitude about life. And love life she did.

Hilde was always described as the life of the party; whether as a child in New York, living in an orphanage in Cleveland, or living at foster homes in Peoria, Illinois, she never considered her life difficult but rather a new adventure.

When Hilde was 17, she attended the University of Illinois to pursue a degree in sociology. She also went to work at the Fifth Army headquarters in Chicago as a court reporter, memorializing many of the important trials throughout the city. During her time in Chicago, Hilde met the love of her life, Captain William "Bill" Schwartz. After a brief courtship, they were married in Chicago in 1950 and remained married for 60 years until Bill passed away in 2010.

Hilde and Bill moved to Dallas in 1952. Once again, Hilde wanted to serve her community and country and became a member of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), a unit of the US Army whereby women were able to fill important office and clerical jobs for the US Army, thus freeing up soldiers for combat roles. In 1955, Hilde and Bill decided to start a family with the birth of their first child, Jim, who has preceded her in death.

Hilde also had a passion for needlepoint. For more than 40 years, she worked at two landmark needlepoint stores in Dallas (Marie's Needlepoint and Needlework and Finishing), where her infectious personality and attention to detail gained her a reputation as a person who could make needlepoint a fun and social pastime. Secretly, Hilde also made needlepoints, sweaters, and blankets for many of the Dallas elite, including members of Congress, senators, and high-ranking clergy at various religious congregations.

Hilde would have told you that her biggest accomplishments were her "boys." Her three sons were her pride and joy, and she raised them to be strong, committed, and to always have a good time, just like her.

Hilde is lovingly remembered by her son Steve and daughter-in-law Julie Schwartz, son Lawrence and daughter-in-law Jackie Schwartz, daughter-in-law Suzy Mazer Schwartz. She was a devoted grandmother to Allison (Mike) Sarcone-Roach, Matthew Schwartz, Sam Schwartz, Zack Schwartz, Cole Schwartz, Cameron Schwartz, and Shelby Tucker, as well as a cherished great-grandmother to Sydney and Max. Hilde is also survived by her niece Judy Silverstein and her husband, Dr. Russell Silverstein, and her cousin Marion and her husband, Arthur Cohen.

The family would like to thank the caring professional staff at the Legacy Midtown Park for their compassion and care.

Hilde's infectious spirit will be missed by the many lives she touched.

A memorial service will be held at Temple Emanu-El, Stern Chapel in Dallas on October 16, 2024 at 2:30 pm. With a shiva minyan service at 5:00 p.m., also at Temple.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Foundation in honor of her son, Jim Schwartz.