Patricia Ann Schwartz

Heaven called our lovely angel Patricia Ann Henry Schwartz home on January 17, 2011. She was born on June 22, 1935 near Centralia, Oklahoma. She is preceded in death by her Mother, Lena Pearl Henry, her Father William Harvey Henry and her Sister Louise Henry Smart; She is survived by her faithful husband of 57 years Albert R. "Buddy" Schwartz, her five children son Russell Schwartz and his wife Susan, daughter Patti Quick and her husband John, son Steven Schwartz and his wife Judy, son Doug Schwartz and his wife Nancy, daughter LuAnn Massey and her husband Stacy and her daughter-in-law Shaylynn Schwartz. Grandchildren: Sheila Busch and her husband Rory, Neil Schwartz and his wife Arzu, Kyle Schwartz and Whitney DeLacio, Adam Schwartz, Aaron Schwartz and his wife Stephanie, Scott Schwartz, Caleb Quick, Katie Schwartz, Jacob Quick, Madison Massey, Seth Massey, Gabriella Massey, and Luke Massey. Great Grandchildren: Jeyda Van Cleave, Summer Van Cleave, Bryana Busch, Lyndsey Busch, Garrett Busch, Travis Busch and Natalie Schwartz. Brother Billy Henry and Sisters Betty Pilkington and Nadine Mays. And numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Patricia (Pat) attended a one room school house in West Cabin, Oklahoma and graduated as class valedictorian from Blue Jacket High School at the age of seventeen where she lettered in women's basketball. After graduation she completed Business College in Miami, Oklahoma. Pat met the love of her life, Buddy Schwartz during her freshman year of high school and married him two days before her eighteenth birthday on June 20, 1953. Buddy was in the Navy at the time so their first home was in Salsbury, Maryland where she worked for Raymond Weisner Realty. Their first son, Russell, was born while they were stationed in Virginia in 1954. After Buddy's discharge from the Navy they moved to Miami, Oklahoma, in 1955 where daughter Patti was born. Two years later they moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma where Buddy pursued his engineering degree from Oklahoma State University. Son Steven was born there in 1959. Buddy took a job at Western Electric in Oklahoma City in 1960. Doug and LuAnn were born there. By 1970, Pat and Buddy had moved their family to Mesquite where Buddy worked at the Western Electric plant. They chose to worship at Military Parkway Church of Christ where Pat's legacy of love began. In addition to their own growing family, Pat and Buddy became foster parents to a number of children who were blessed by their love and care. Pat worked in the church nursery and taught the smallest of babies about God's love on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. She also created a "mother's day out" preschool program for mothers attending Ladies Bible Class which grew into a community wide program for young mothers. Since that time she has been lovingly known as "Teacher Pat." Pat's calling and ministry was one of sacrifice and service especially where children were concerned. She lovingly cared for children in her home and eventually became a licensed day care operator. Her loving compassion, fun loving spirit, and unconditional love created bonds with children that was fascinating to watch and impossible to replicate. Everyone loved Teacher Pat. Everyone...but none more than her own grandchildren. They were her pride and joy, and she loved each one of them without measure. From sewing Superman capes and doll dresses, to making their favorite foods, to sharing a story or wiping a tear, Pat's joy was full, and then along came the great-grandchildren. Even though they lived far away, they all knew her voice on the phone, they could identify her in pictures, and they absolutely couldn't wait for Grammy to come see them or for them to come to Texas to see her. Pat was known for her hospitality. There was always room for more at her dining room table. She was the best cook; she grew up on the farm so everything she made was from scratch-her pies, cookies, and hot rolls were the best, but no one could make fried chicken like she could! Pat Schwartz was a lovely Christian woman, wife and mother. She lived her life in loving service to others. Her life was the epitome of sacrificial giving. She offered unconditional love to everyone she met, and all who knew her were blessed because of it. Pat made everyone around her feel special. She enjoyed a special relationship with her friends and church family at Valley Creek Church of Christ. From rocking babies, to planning baby and wedding showers, or helping young brides prepare for their special day, Pat shared her time and talents joyfully. Her heart was pure, her love for others was genuine, and her faith in our Lord was strong. Even during her struggle with cancer, Pat's lovely personality was evident. She kept her sense of humor, her fun loving spirit, and she worried more about those around her instead of herself. She fought cancer with courage and her strength showed us all that a life lived in love, faith and hope is a life worth living. And now it's God's turn to say to His angels as he welcomes Pat home, "Isn't she lovely?" In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the "Teacher Pat" Fund at Valley Creek Church of Christ, 1420 Pioneer Rd., Mesquite, Texas 75149. This fund will be used to purchase rocking chairs and other nursery needs in memory of our dear "Teacher Pat."