Obituary of Michele Schwartz
Loch Sheldrake, NY
Michele Schwartz, 87, of Loch Sheldrake, New York, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026. Born and raised in the Bronx, she was the daughter of Abraham and Anna Michelson, who preceded her in death.
Michele lived a life defined by intellect, resilience, and service. At a time when opportunities for women were limited, she distinguished herself early, attending the Bronx High School of Science during years when only four girls were admitted annually. She went on to become one of the first women physician assistants, a path she pursued with determination and perseverance.
She devoted more than 30 years of her professional life to the VA Hospital in Fort Hamilton, where she cared for veterans with skill, dedication, and compassion. A proud member of Mensa, Michele possessed a formidable intelligence that she paired with sharp insight, humility, and practicality.
Above all, she was a devoted single mother who raised three sons on her own, meeting life’s challenges with grit, determination, and unwavering love.
Michele loved animals deeply and found comfort and joy in crocheting and needlepoint, cooking (she had the best chicken noodle matzo ball soup recipe around), and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She also had a strong and abiding connection to her faith.
She was predeceased by her parents, Abraham and Anna Michelson; her beloved son Steven; her sister Renee; and her best friend of more than 50 years, Alice.
She is survived by her sons, Andrew (Cherie) Schwartz and Arthur (Sapir) Schwartz; her cousin, Ira (Lisa) Lacher; her grandchildren, Avi (Dahna) Schwartz, Aaron (Bettina) Schwartz, Rose Schwartz, Leah Schwartz, David Schwartz, and Yehuda (Kim) Schwartz; and her great-grandchildren, Isaac, Benjamin, Nicholas, Orli, Adina, and Aleeza.
Michele will be remembered with deep love and admiration by all who knew her, and by generations shaped by her strength and intelligence.
A graveside funeral service will take place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 12:00pm at the Hurleyville Synagogue Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Hurleyville, NY. Shiva will be observed privately.
Arrangements are honorably entrusted to the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home - 845-794-7474 or www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com.
