Eleanor Jane Schwartz

Mrs. Eleanor Jane Schwartz (née Hontz), of Lake Worth, FL and Surf City, NJ, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at the age of 86. After defeating cancer years ago and fighting bravely against the disease when it reappeared, Eleanor died peacefully at home, surrounded by family.

Eleanor was born to parents Thomas H. and Lillian (Shoemaker) Hontz on July 27, 1928 in Lehighton, PA. Her elder brother, Winfred Hontz, predeceased her in 2014. Eleanor graduated from Lehighton High School and then moved to Philadelphia, where she earned a nursing degree at St. Luke’s Hospital. It was there that she met Abe Schwartz, whom she married in 1950. The couple had three children.

Eleanor was a school nurse at Northeast High School in Philadelphia from 1964 to 1985, working alongside her best friend, Lois Gurak. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in education at Temple University in 1972 and then a Master’s at Arcadia University in 1977. Eleanor was an avid tennis player and enjoyed travel, family dinners, movies, and operating her Surf City home as an open house for family, children, and friends. It was there that she selflessly cared for her husband Abe in the last years of his life before his death in 2004.

Eleanor is survived by her sons Joseph (Peg Gillin); David (Candida DeLago); Robert (Marguerite Brennan); and grandchildren Megan, Chris, Maura, Mia, Leanna, Steven and Kelly.

According to Eleanor’s wishes, her remains will be cremated. An informal memorial service will be held on July 19th, 2015. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests making a donation to the American Cancer Society.