Sylvia Schwartz

Sylvia Schwartz, 97, of Benton Harbor, passed away Thursday, December 31, 2015 at Pine Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Stevensville. A Graveside Service will be held 11:00 A.M.  Friday, January 1, 2016 at B’nai Shalom Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Memorials may be made to Temple B’nai Shalom, Sarett Nature Center or Animal Aid. Those wishing to share a memory of Sylvia online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Sylvia was born December 11, 1918 in Chicago, IL to Samuel & Bessie (Snyder) Friedman. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School. On December 21, 1941 Sylvia married Leo Schwartz in Benton Harbor. She followed her husband around the country for several years, from Army base to base during WWII. Sylvia then returned home with her husband after the war to Benton Harbor where they started their family. Sylvia was an early member of the Krasl Arts Center and member of the Hadassah organization. She and her husband were also volunteers at Lakeland Hospital. She was a great supporter of her husband and children. Sylvia was a naturalist, who loved reading and painting. She took much pride and joy in caring for animals and wildlife. Every stray cat who visited her yard was welcomed into her home and her yard was a bird sanctuary. Sylvia instilled her love of gardening and nature and the respect and sanctity for life in her children and grandchildren. She had an abundance of interests as a rockhound; she enjoyed the outdoors, especially the national parks, and Northern Michigan, crocheted, and refurbished antique furniture. Sylvia is survived by two sons – Steven Schwartz of Coconut Grove, FL and Bennett (Deborah) Schwartz of Stevensville; four grandchildren – Erin, Jonas (Dominique) Katie & Michael Schwartz. Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, husband Leo, grandson Gabriel and four brothers Ben, Sam, Phillip and Max Sachs.