Audrey Linda Schwartzman

Audrey Schwartzman, a vibrant and fiercely independent woman, was born on February 12, 1928, in New York City. She passed away at the age of 97, having spent the majority of her life in the Bronx. She was the devoted daughter of the late Samuel and Edna Jonath, the beloved wife of the late Ralph Schwartzman, and is survived by her loving daughter, Karin Schwartzman Drucker, and son-in-law, David Drucker.

A Love of Culture and New York City

A true New Yorker, Audrey lived through a century of transformation, from the Great Depression to World War II, caring deeply about world events—a fact reflected by the ever-present newspapers in her home. As a child, she cherished trips with her father, Sam, and brother, Norman, sitting in the bleachers at Yankee Stadium and attending hockey games and going on trips to Rockaway Beach.

Audrey possessed an insatiable curiosity and a deep love for the arts. She was an avid reader, adored dancing, and had a lifelong passion for jazz and big band music, theater, and avant-garde film, famously sneaking out as a teenager to see Billie Holiday perform at a Harlem jazz club.

Family

In 1951, at the age of 23, Audrey married Ralph Schwartzman following his return from serving in World War II in Italy. Their courtship was filled with classic New York dates—going to Coney Island and dancing in the city. They shared an active social life and a profound love that became the bedrock of their family.

Audrey became a mother to her only child, Karin, when she was 33. She was a wonderful and nurturing mother, instilling in Karin a deep love of reading, travel, and all things cultural, especially theater and ballet—and, on a lighter note, a passion for shoes. The family enjoyed memorable vacations, from resorts in the Catskills to touring the West Coast, Disney, Canada, and the Caribbean.

In 1978, Ralph passed away suddenly. Audrey raised Karin on her own from that point forward. It was not always easy, but their closeness strengthened their bond, a relationship from which they both drew immense strength.

A Distinguished Career

Audrey loved her professional life in Manhattan. In her twenties, she held a glamorous position as the assistant to the owner of multiple RKO Theaters, attending movie premieres and exclusive parties. After taking time off while Karin was small, Audrey returned to work for over 20 years at Edward E. Finch & Co., a company that supplied prizes to game shows. Her role ensured prize winners received their awards, a job she relished. She was dedicated to her work and commuted daily via the express bus from the Bronx, eventually retiring and being celebrated at the famed Friars Club.

Retirement and Adventure

Retirement only fueled Audrey's adventurous spirit. She traveled extensively, including a trip to Spain and Morocco as well as a Transatlantic cruise. She remained a fixture in Manhattan several times a week for theater, dance classes, the library, shopping, and dinner with friends, demonstrating a lifelong love for the city.

Later in life, she moved to South Florida with a new partner. Together, they embarked on countless adventures, taking road trips to Graceland and the Grand Canyon, cruising to Alaska, and famously earning the distinction of being the oldest couple to parasail in the Keys.

Her Enduring Legacy

Audrey Schwartzman was a woman who took true joy in being alive. Though she endured painful experiences, she always loved to laugh. She was known for her incredible kindness and non-judgmental nature, often reminding those around her, "Don’t take life so seriously; there is always something to laugh at."

In her final decade, she faced the challenge of Alzheimer's disease with courage. When words faded, she communicated through the light in her eyes, the warmth of her touch, and her treasured smile. Her daughter cherishes the memory of her eyes lighting up upon seeing her and the tight hold of her hand.

The light of the world is dimmer without her, but her family finds comfort knowing that wherever she is, she is whole again. She has her words, she can dance, eat the food she loves, and is reunited with her beloved Ralph, parents, and friends.

"I am blessed and grateful that Audrey Schwartzman was my mother and my best friend. I wouldn’t be who I am without her. I will miss her presence every day, but I know she is with me in my heart."