Zena Schwartz

Zena was born on September 28, 1917 in New York City, NY to the late Max and Bella (Semer) Zornow. Unique to her era, Zena went on to New York University after high school earning her bachelor’s degree in Business.

On July 4, 1947 she married her beloved husband Bernard in Brooklyn, NY. He predeceased her in 1997. The two were inseparable until his passing and focused on the unity of their family, which they raised in Norwich.

Zena went back to school once her children were out of the primary grades, earning her Master’s Degree in Education from the Willimantic State Teachers College. She worked for many years in the Norwich Public School System as a Reading Consultant, retiring from Wequonnoc Elementary School.

Zena was an avid reader and a fantastic baker. She also enjoyed playing bridge, sewing, knitting and watching tennis on TV. An attentive and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, her presence will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her daughter Jamie Block and husband Mark of Norwich; her son Martin Schwartz and wife Darby of Mansfield Center; grandchildren Elise Gottesman and husband Michael, Mitchell Block and wife Lara; Brigitta, Andreas, and Byron Schwartz; great-grandchildren Celia and Benjamin Gottesman, and Andrew and Samuel Block, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Beechwood for their diligent care and attention that Zena received.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, July 19th at noon at Hebrew Benevolent Cemetery #3, 62 Middle Rd., in Preston, CT. Shiva will be held on Saturday July 20th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at 108 Plain Hill Road, Norwich.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Otis Library, Backus Hospital Auxiliary, or Hadassah.

To leave a condolence or share a memory, please visit www.churchandallen.com