Jean LaBarr Schwartz

Jean LaBarr Schwartz peacefully graduated into the presence of her Lord on Thursday, March 25, 2021, at her home in Gainesville, Georgia, at the age of 95.  

The youngest of five children, Jean was born December 28, 1925, in Buffalo, New York, to Louise and August Boehmke. She was cherished in a loving family that prioritized faith, family, fun, education, music, and service. These became her life-long joys.  

When Jean graduated from the Buffalo Public School system in 1943, she went on to the University of Buffalo to earn a BA in Chemistry in 1947 and then worked for DuPont as a Chemist in Buffalo. She married Robert Ford LaBarr, also of Buffalo, on June 18, 1949, after his World War II service in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He began his career with Warner and Swasey Machine Tool Company in Cleveland, OH. Jean continued with DuPont and then sold Childcraft Books door to door before giving birth to their three children.  

After a few years in Erie, PA, the family moved to what became their hometown, Kettering, Ohio. As the children were growing up, Jean was active in church, Scout leadership, volunteer work and substitute teaching. When her children left for college, she became a high school Special Education teacher in Ohio and, after Bob’s retirement, in the Cobb County, GA Public Schools. 

In the early 80’s, when daughter Wendy established her dental practice in Marietta, Jean was the first office manager. Daughter Barbara and son Jim soon transferred to the Atlanta area. Jean’s generous involvement at Faith Lutheran Church had many facets. Consoling hurting members with God’s comfort as a Stephen’s Minister and training others to do likewise became her passion. She was a woman of warm hospitality who has left a legacy of friendship and encouragement. 

Jean was known as “Grandma Tic Tac“ by her adoring grandchildren who delighted in her practice of passing the mints to them during church services. She was a get-on-the-floor-to-play grandma who became a huge cheerleader and a treasured mentor for each of them. 

Widowed after 49 years of marriage to Bob, she and University of Buffalo classmate, widower Edward C. Schwartz became re-acquainted, conducted a long-distance courtship, and married on February 17, 2001. The two of them shuttled between Ed’s home in Buffalo and hers in Atlanta until last summer when health concerns and COVID restrictions interfered. They shared many wonderful years of adventure, traveling, socializing, boating, and enjoying each other’s families. Wherever she lived, Jean loved playing bridge and teaching the game to others. Of deep joy to her were frequent reunions of the Boehmke extended family, gathered from all over the country. 

Jean was also preceded in death by her three brothers, Bill, Karl and Hal Boehmke; her sister, Adele Connelly; and grandson Sammy Mitchell. She is survived by her husband Ed, his five daughters and one granddaughter; her children James LaBarr (Karen), Wendy Mitchell (Ken), and Barbara McKay (Charles); grandchildren Anna Mitchell Groves (Michael), Jimmy Mitchell (Allison), Christy LaBarr Harmon (William) and David LaBarr; and great-grandchildren Charlotte Ann and James Harmon. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and their families who revere her as their delightful Aunt Jean. 

The family invites you to rejoice with her entry into an eternity of joy in Jesus’ presence. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville GA, 30501, at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 10 with visitation at 2:15 and after the service.  Because of COVID, seating will be in every other row.  Masks are required.  The service will be live-streamed beginning on Saturday April 10 at 3:00 p.m. at https://vimeo.com/event/856277

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Faith Lutheran Church, 2111 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30068 or

Sudden Arrythmia Death Syndrome Foundation, 4527 South 2300 East, #104, Salt Lake City, UT 84117  

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

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.