Ursula Dellheim Schwartz

COLUMBIA – Ursula Dellheim Schwartz, 97, died Sunday, October 22, 2023, in Columbia. Born in Heidelberg, Germany on April 30, 1926, she was the daughter of Mathilde W. and Robert Dellheim. She emigrated from Germany to England in 1937, as part of the kindertransport, where she attended boarding school near Hastings and then to Philadelphia, PA, in 1940, where she and her twin younger brothers joined their parents.

Mrs. Schwartz graduated from Lower Marion High School (Philadelphia) in 1943 and worked for several years in the banking and payroll department of the Presbyterian Board of Christian Education until she married Elmer G. Schwartz in 1947. Her early married years were spent in Newport News, VA, and in Pittsburgh, PA. Elmer appreciated her frugality and support at that time while he earned his Masters and Ph.D. at Carnegie Mellon University.

The family moved to Columbia in 1963 when Dr. Schwartz joined the faculty at the University of South Carolina. Mrs. Schwartz supported the arts and used her talents to volunteer with Workshop Theatre and perform in The Nutcracker with the Columbia City Ballet. She volunteered extensively with Planned Parenthood and worked for a time at the Calvert Brodie School of Dance.

Mrs. Schwartz enjoyed playing tennis with a foursome for many years and was a dedicated walker and swimmer. She enjoyed giving and specialized in finding second-hand treasures for herself and others. She was devoted to her family and generous with her time in helping to care for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Schwartz was predeceased by her brothers, by Elmer, her husband of 57 years, and by her son Randy Schwartz. She is survived by her children: Robert and Sheryl Young Schwartz of Florence; Richard Schwartz of Leesville; Russell and Laurie Polk Schwartz of Charlotte, NC; and Samir and Suzanne Schwartz Elhosary of Columbia. Also surviving are her grandchildren Elizabeth Schwartz Kahn, Peter Schwartz, Alia Schwartz, Samira Elhosary, Omnaya Elhosary Mong, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.dunbarfunerals.com. The family requests that memorials be made to Harvest Hope Food Bank (www.harvesthope.org).