Jane Virginia Schwarz, Died July 9, 2019

Jane V. SchwarzDied July 9, 2019

Our precious mother, Jane Virginia Schwarz, slipped quietly into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on the morning of July 9, 2019, surrounded by her family.

Jane was born July 4,1920 in the East Leland family home to Elmer and Emma Bardenhagen. Shewas the third of 5 children. We always referred to Mom as Leland’s Little Firecracker, and she certainly lived up to her name. Growing up on a farm instilled in our Mom the value of hard work, independence and determination, importance of family and a strong faith; virtues which remained first and foremost throughout her life.

 

In 1938 Jane graduated from Leland Public School. Other than living a short time in Detroit and Traverse City, she spent her life in our treasured Leelanau County home. 

Jane met the love of her life, Maurice Schwarz, at a high school dance in Cedar. She was quite taken by that tall, red-haired, handsome guy. Jane and Maury were married June 16,1942 in Detroit by Reverend Tong, with John and Lucille Peterson as their attendants.

While her husband was in the Navy during WW ll, Jane lived with her family. Upon his safe return, they designed and built their Leland home and were blessed with three children; Steven, Janie and Joni.

Our parents enjoyed golf together, Sunday drives with their young children, family trips to Mackinac Island, card games and dinner parties with friends and family. They loved their travels to Florida and Arizona.

Jane was a founding member of the Leland Child Study Club,  remaining active when it became the Leland Women’s Civic Club.  She enjoyed her years working at The Leland Country Club, Joyce of Leland, Kim’s Cargo, Pat’s Place, and The Depot of Harbor Springs in Northport, finally retiring at 85 years of age! In addition, she catered many dinner parties for summer residents with her sister, Lucille. Gardening, cooking, cross-country skiing and bridge were her favorite pastimes. As an avid Detroit Pistons and Tigers fan, Jane knew players, coaches and positions well enough to carry on conversations with anyone willing to listen and talk sports!

Jane and Maury were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Leland. Jane loved her church family, read her Bible and devotions daily, attended Bible class, Ladies Aid and assisted in many church functions. Her faith was a source of strength and comfort to her. She very much loved her pastor and elder visits, as well as sermon videos made by her son, when she could no longer attend church regularly.

Jane had a huge, giving heart for anyone in need. Many people in Leland were the recipients of her delicious chocolate chip cookies, Christmas fudge or zucchini bread.

Family meant everything to our mom. She was a devoted wife, mother and nana, always there for us, guiding, helping and loving unconditionally. We are grateful and blessed to have had her in our lives and now forever in our hearts.

Left to cherish and honor her life and memories are her children; Steven Schwarz, Janie (Steven) Tavener and Joni (Joseph) Burda. Precious grandchildren, each of whom Nana Jane took care of at one time or another, include; Steven Schwarz, Nathan Joel Schwarz, Sara (Bruce) Maleski, Katie (Matthew) Medler, Joseph (Tiffany) Burda, Michael (Cassie) Burda and Christopher (Kaitlyn) Burda. Her sweet great-grandchildren are Nathan, Quinn, Griffon, Cory, Maddison, Taven, Rowen, Mattie, Emerie, Isla, Weston, Cooper and great-great-granddaughter, Adaley. 

Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Maury, and their dear grandson, Nathan Joel. Also preceding Jane in her death were her parents, Emma and Elmer; brothers, Leonard, Vernon and Victor; and sister, Lucille Peterson Bach.

After moving from Leland to Traverse City, Jane embraced new friendships at Cedar Creek Senior Apartments and, most recently, Boardman Lake Glens. We are forever in deep gratitude and appreciation for the gentle, attentive care and friendship offered by the staff at the Inverness House of Boardman Lake Glens.

A celebration of Jane’s life will be held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Leland on Monday, July 15, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour before. Pastor Joshua LaFeve will officiate. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts given to Immanuel Lutheran Church P.O. Box 436 Leland, MI 49654, would be greatly appreciated. 

Please share condolences with Jane’s family below or on our Facebook Page.