Claire R Swartz

Claire Swartz died peacefully on December 14, 2016 at the Pinellas Point Nursing and Rehab Center in St Petersburg, Florida at the age of 95. She was born to William and Wilmina Ritchie in Corbin, Kentucky. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband Jack P. Swartz, her son, Jeffrey E. Swartz and her sister Joyce Strosahl. She is survived by her sons, P. David, W. Michael, and Frederick E. Swartz. She has five grandchildren: Holly Kelley, Heather Goddard, Matthew Swartz, Jackie King, Beth Cockey and six great-grand children.

Claire’s passion was classical music and playing the violin. She married her piano accompanist Jack Swartz in music school. She played in numerous orchestras as she and Jack moved from Nashville, Atlanta, San Angelo, Everett, Washington and Flagstaff, Arizona. They eventually settled in Tallahassee, Florida in 1957 where she and Jack lived until health issues forced her to move to St. Petersburg to be closer to family.

She played in the Tallahassee Symphony for many years and later played in a local string quartet performing in Tallahassee, Florida, Mobile and Dolthan Alabama. She also worked as a secretary at the St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Florida State Transportation Department in Tallahassee.

After Jack’s retirement, Claire and Jack traveled frequently around the country and also to Alaska and London, England.

A memorial will be held for Claire in St. Petersburg 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 28, 2017 at The Cathedral Church of St Peter, 140 4th St North St

Petersburg, FL 33701.