Kristine A. (Irving) Schwarz

Kristine Ann Irving Schwarz of Elmhurst, IL passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at the age of 69. She was born on March 16th, 1954 in Chicago, the daughter of William F. Irving and Audrey D. Hansen.

Kristine was the devoted and incredible wife of James D. Schwarz for almost 46 years. She was the loving mother of Julie (Dan) Pienta, Karyn (Derek) Soerens, and Tom (Lindsay) Schwarz; cherished and proud grandmother of Danny, Jimmy, Lauren, Finley, and Benjamin; a sister, aunt, cousin and friend to so many.

Kristine is preceded in death by her parents William F. and Audrey D. Irving; aunt Sandra Mullick; cousin John Dahlstom; parents-in-law Harry and Lillian Schwarz; brother-in-law Robert and his wife Nancy.

Kristine met Jim as a child, and both have lived in Elmhurst for nearly 65 years.  She attended Elmhurst College to pursue an education degree but found her real passion in being a mother to her three children, as well as many of their friends and neighbors, then her children-in-law, and finally as a grandma, or as she was lovingly called, “Gama”. 

Kris is known for her magnetic personality, infectious laugh, her jokes and pranks, and her overwhelming love for those close and far.  She was always smiling, even when in pain, and lived to help and support anyone who needed it.  Kris was known to talk to everyone, from the grocery store cashier to a stranger walking down the street, which gained her numerous friends, many of whom knew her as “Mama Schwarz” or “GamaMama”.  Whether it was her love of shopping or her innate generosity, she was known for her innumerable birthday and holiday gifts, as well as for frequently giving gifts “just because she loves you.” 

Kristine’s loss is felt far and wide, here in Illinois and also in Florida, where she had spent the winter season for the last 23 years, and naturally made even more friends.  She was the matriarch of the family and the tradition-keeper, creating infinite memories for all to cherish and continue on in her absence.  Her family is comforted by many of her words and phrases, such as “Live fast, die young, and have a good looking corpse” and even more poignant, the lyrics of one of her Jimmy Buffett songs, “Some of it’s magic, some of it’s tragic, but I’ve had a good life all the way.”  Kristine’s love and connection will remain strong even though she has passed, and she will never be forgotten. 

In true Kristine fashion, she wanted to make sure that her life was celebrated with a party and that we put the “fun” in “funeral.” For this reason the family invites you to share stories and pay tribute to the woman who made such a difference in all of our lives. As in a traditional service, please feel free to come pay your respects and leave, or if you can stay and celebrate her life, ALL are invited to do so. The celebration will begin at 2pm on Saturday, September 9th at the Elmhurst American Legion, 310 W. Butterfield Rd, Elmhurst, IL

2:00 - 4:00 - Traditional Visitation Hours
2:00 - 8:00 - FUNeral Celebration

We also understand those who are unable to make it, but would still like to pay tribute. Please do so on the Tribute Wall below. We will save everyone’s words and cherish them forever!

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kris's honor to a charity that is close to your heart.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kristine A. (Irving) Schwarz, please visit our floral store.