In Loving Memory of
Carolyn Ann Schwarz
June 9, 1943 – December 8, 2020
Virtual Celebration of Life Gathering was held on December 19, 2020 at 5:00 PM PST
Carolyn Ann Schwarz passed away peacefully, in her home surrounded by her family after several long battles with cancer.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Steven Schwarz, and her sister, Nancy Lackey. She is survived by her brother, George Coon, by her loving daughters, Jennifer Schwarz and Susan Pryfogle and son-in-law, Andrew Pryfogle. She is “Nana” to one amazing granddaughter, Hannah Pryfogle.
Carolyn was born in upstate New York, in the town of Ithaca. Her family would relocate to Lubbock, TX and later moved to California where her Father, George Coon, worked in the college book business. After marrying, Steven followed in her Father’s footsteps and began a long and successful career at Missouri Book Service.
Carolyn & Steve raised their daughters in San Lorenzo, CA before moving to Danville, CA. They moved to St. Helena, CA to begin their retirement, and several years later would move to the village of Glen Ellen, CA to be close to family.
In addition to being a wonderful Mother, Carolyn had a long and successful career of her own. She started out as a secretary for potato chip company, Granny Goose in Oakland, CA. She worked her way into sales and would later finish her 20+ year tenure as a Vice President. She would later serve as Vice President of Sales for Oakland-based Hooper’s Chocolate.
Known for her impeccable taste for fashion, Carolyn tapped into her entrepreneurial spirit to launch her own business, Wrap Yourself Up, making beautiful wraps and ponchos that became a big hit in the Sonoma valley.
She had a passion for high fashion and never left home not dressed to the nines. Carolyn will always be remembered for her sense of humor, her laugh, her love of life, and her immeasurable grace.
A two-time breast cancer survivor, Carolyn was a fighter. She was an encourager and a giver of joy to so many people. She lived a full life and helped others to do the same, and the world is a little bit better because she was in it.
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Carolyn was an amazing woman who immediately made you feel like you had known her for some time. Her husband Steve, gave me one of my breaks in the industry and hired me to work for him in 1996. We travelled together often and his fondness and love for Carolyn was always evident. They will be missed..but, I know they are enjoying each other once again!
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I worked with Steve Schwarz for many years since he began with MBS…. it was 1978 that I first met Steve – I believe it was at a convention either in Las Vegas or in San Francisco that I med Carolyn – The seemed to me to be a perfectly matched couple! Always of laughter and a bit of Tom-foolery. I enjoyed them immensely….. It was heartwarming listening to everyone’s wonderful stories of Carolyn and Steve, I know they’re together again and celebrating…. Carolyn and Steve will both forever hole an endearing place in my heart.
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John and I have been blessed to have been in small groups at St Andrew with Carolyn. Her amazing spirit during health challenges has been an inspiration to us.
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I had the pleasure of having wonderful conversations around healing, grace and counting your blessings in everything. Her presence was uplifting and she always was put together beautifully. I was always greeted with a smile and positive attitude. She will be missed. I will miss her.
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I happened to share pew space with Carolyn the first night I attended Saint Andrews some years ago on Blue Christmas. We became good church buddies, sitting next to each other every week, and then became members of Saint Andrews together. Carolyn supported me as I sang in the Saint Andrew’s Worship Band, although her taste in music differed from mine. Her spirit was bright, her outlook positive and loving. I will miss you, my friend.
Julie Schrader
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I only had the pleasure of knowing Carolyn the last year and a half, meeting her when she became a member of the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church congregation. I will remember her quick smile, positive attitude, even when faced with health challenges, and caring nature. We send our love and prayers to all her friends and family – she will be missed!
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Carolyn and Steve moved into their house in St. Helena at about the same time that my husband, Joe Orsini, and I, Robyn Orsini, moved in next door. We were neighbors and best friends for a good dozen years before Steve retired and they decided to move to Glen Ellen. After that, we regularly visited or talked on the phone. Then Steve passed away and Carolyn began more cancer treatments. Joe had brain surgery in January 2020, and COVID-19 suddenly changed our lives. As life got harder for Carolyn, it also did for me, so by summer we were not in touch, although I thought of her often. Carolyn and I meant so much to each other; she will always remain one of the most favorite people I ever had the honor to know and love. Her faith was recently rekindled, and I hope that it was a solace to her during her last days. I know I will continue to think of my dear, dear friend often, gratefully remembering all our good times laughing and enjoying life together. She will be greatly missed.
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Such a fun wonderful soul
She will be so missed and remembered
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We miss Carolyn so much. We’ve been thinking about the very beginning when they got married. Ron and I had at least one child then. We were all so young.
She was a wonderful, loving wife to my brother Steven. He couldn’t have lived without her. Jennifer always answered the phone when Carolyn came home from the hospital and was on palative care. We were happy we could talk to her until almost the end. Jennifer did a great job cooking for her mom and doing what needed to be done. I admire her so much for what she did. We know it wasn’t easy physically or mentally.
Carolyn will live on in our memories forever. May she RIP and May her memory be a blessing.
Love and condolences to the whole family. ❤️
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A glamorous force of nature combined with a rare magnetism but I don’t need to tell you that. I am honored to have met and loved Carolyn whose aquamarine eyes never missed any detail so easily overlooked by mere mortals such as us. The sound of her laugh will linger long in my memory. You all took such immaculate care of her; none could ask for anything more. Thank you Susie and Jennifer for this beautiful tribute to a great lady who so deeply loved her Husband, Daughters, Son-in-Law and Grand Daughter. xx