Diane R. Schwartz

Mrs. Diane R. Schwartz, age 69, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at Emory University Hospital.

Mrs. Schwartz was born February 26, 1952 in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the daughter of Robert “Bob” Rodenroth and the late Lillian (Mueller) Rodenroth.

Diane was a 1970 graduate of Warner Robins High School in Warner Robins, Georgia. Graduating from the University of Georgia and North Georgia College with multiple degrees in education, she devoted 25 years of serving students with special needs in the Hall County and Gainesville City School Systems. She always cherished her time with her students and was determined to help them reach their fullest potential. Some of her most joyous moments were spent serving as a Special Olympics Coach. She was named “Teacher of the Year” for Tadmore Elementary in 1990 and 1991. Also in 1991, Diane was named the Hall County School District “Teacher of the Year”. Always active in her community, Diane was a member of the Pilot’s Club of Gainesville. Her favorite events were Breakfast with Santa and volunteering at the hospital.

She always wanted to be a mother and proudly adopted two daughters. Her crowning achievement was the title of “Gigi”. She spent the last 17 years pouring her time and energy into doting on her grandchildren. 

She and Dwight opened their home to over a dozen foster children for 10 plus years. Diane most enjoyed traveling the US in their motorhome, attending UGA Football Games, and spending time in Florida – volunteering at Gamble Rogers State Park and soaking up the warm weather. She was determined to meet every goal she set for herself despite health challenges. Every minute of her 21 years of retirement was spent enjoying time with her friends and family doing the things she loved.

Diane is survived by her loving and dedicated husband of 47 years, Dwight Schwartz; daughters, DeAnn (Kevin) Sams, Dayna (Brad) Kiley; grandchildren, Logan, Liam, and Lainey Smithson and Lilly and Jack Kiley; brothers, David Rodenroth (Nina),  Dennis Rodenroth (Kathy), Dean Rodenroth (Bill), Donn Rodenroth (Jenny); cherished nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and numerous foster children.

Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 pm Sunday, March 28, 2021 at Gainesville First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 25, 2021 2 to 4 pm and 5 to 7 pm and also Friday, March 26, 2021 from 5 to 7 pm at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the organizations that were dear to her heart; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, cff.org, 4550 Montgomery Ave. Suite 1100 N Bethesda, MD 20814 and Pulmonary Hypertension Association, [email protected] , 8401 Colesville Road, STE 200, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Memorial Park Funeral Home North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Dr. is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.