Inge Schwarz

May 4, 1947 – Nov 8, 2023   

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Inge Schwarz, a resident of Kenora, Ontario, on November 8th, 2023, at the age of 76. A spirited, generous woman with a huge heart, she will be missed by those who knew and loved her.   

Inge was predeceased by her Mother and Father, Elisabeth and Johannes Kuehn and Husband Eberhard (Ebby) Schwarz in 2019. She is survived by her daughters Kristin and Mandy, her soulmate Jerry Scott, her close friends Donna and Steve Hulagrocki, Jack Williams, Mike and Maribel Strecker, and her adoptive family, Jaret, Candice, David, Tessa, Jack, and Jacey Ring.   

Inge was born during the challenging times of post WWII in East Germany. In 2000, after many setbacks, she moved to Kenora, thus fulfilling her dream of living in the “Canadian Wilderness”. Inge was an old school Professional Hairdresser in Germany, cutting hair solely with scissors in a large salon with 20 other hairdressers in East Germany.  

Inge, to put it mildly, was a firecracker. She would not put up with anything that she didn’t like, but at the same time, she had a heart of gold. She loved life in Kenora, especially her time on Breakneck Lake where she and her late husband Ebby hosted many friends for their Friday night “Whiskey Nights” and other occasions.    

In Canada, Inge worked at Zellers where she made many important friends and stayed close to them long after leaving Zellers. She loved her friends dearly and with her whole heart. Never one to be shy, Inge was sure to say Hello to everyone she saw out and about and to extend “best wishes on all” at the end of each conversation.    

Inge loved to tell her life story to all who would listen; indeed, it was an interesting life she lived with so many details important to her. We were always amazed that she remembered the years and dates of all the events that occurred in her life and at how she was able to conquer the English language in a short period of time.    

Inge, whilst missing her daughters often, cherished her friends, as we were her family here in Canada and we were truly blessed to have known such a special person. In recent years she and Jerry were inseparable, spending many afternoons enjoying a beverage in their backyard, with the deer, in the sun or doing puzzles at the kitchen table.   

Having her daughter Kristin, who’s writing a book in honour of her Mum, visit in Summer 2022 marked not just her 75th birthday but a truly special reunion in their lives which was shared by many and will be treasured forever.   

Inge, risen many times in your lifetime from places of loss and despair like a phoenix from the ashes, the ‘special little lady’ that you are, you will be dearly missed and always have a special place in our hearts. As you often said to many others, we hope you “enjoy(ed) your beautiful young life”.      

A celebration of life will take place in the months to follow.  

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Schwarz family.