Lydia Joan (Jo) Schauwecker

Jo was born on February 23, 1928, in South Bend, Indiana. She graduated from Riley High School in South Bend and attended Indiana University on a musical voice scholarship, which she won through a statewide competition. While at IU, she met and married Paul Schauwecker. After serving in World War II, Paul was recalled to active duty in the Air Force in 1948, and Jo accompanied Paul to military assignments that included Chanute AFB, Illinois, Orlando, Florida, Fairbanks, Alaska, Morocco, a second tour at Chanute AFB, Tokyo, Japan, Honolulu and Shreveport, Louisiana. After Paul retired from the Air Force, Jo and Paul lived in Winter Park, Florida while Paul taught at Rollins College and they had a “pad” in Melbourne Beach, Florida that they shared with Jo’s parents for many years. After returning to live in Shreveport, where Paul took over the leadership of the Louisiana Tech Barksdale program, they moved to Arlington, Texas in 2008 to be near family.

Jo’s love and talent for music prevailed throughout her life. Her musical career included many performances as a soloist, musical group member, and musical group director. While living in Tokyo, she studied voice with Maestro Commelli, director of the Tokyo Opera. She was also director of the Barksdale Air Force Base Chapel choirs, director of the Barksdale Officers’ Wive’s Club Chorus (Treble Clef), Choir Director at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, and Choir Director at the Live Oak Retirement Center in Shreveport. She enjoyed playing piano in her home and entertaining her family by co-writing and performing ridiculous and hilarious songs with her grandchildren.

Jo also loved to learn. She was curious about everything, never hesitant to ask questions (which often led to more questions). Above all, she was curious about people. She never encountered a stranger, and within a few minutes of meeting someone, could tell you everything about her new friend’s family, career, hobbies and backstory. She touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to cross her path, whether it be her children and grandchildren, her neighbors, fellow church members, a hospital nurse, her pool serviceman, her landscaper, or the hostess at Chick-fil-A.

Jo was a life-long Christian and Stephen Minister, and a member of the P.E.O. and the Westminster Presbyterian Church. She loved others and loved life, and kept an unwavering positive attitude, even when suffering difficult losses and battling illness. She found joy in everything. Even the blueberry muffins from Walmart were the best she had ever tasted. Her love for life and people was a part of everything she did, and no matter what the plan or event, even a simple dinner with friends, it was always “going to be so much fun!” It is impossible to say what her loved ones will miss most, but they will certainly miss this and will strive to hold the same joy and love in their hearts in her memory.

Jo is survived by her son, Michael Schauwecker, and his wife, Paige Ellison; her daughter, Paula Schauwecker, and her partner, Kathy Tobin; and her four grandchildren, Andrew Lebowitz, and his wife, Jessica Biggs; Eric Lebowitz, and his partner, Lui Villa; Jessica Schauwecker; and Natalie Schauwecker, and her husband, Jacob Stieb. Jo was predeceased by her husband, Paul Schauwecker; her sister, Ruth Miltenberger; her brother-in-law, Lewis Miltenberger, her brother Michael Bingaman; and her daughter-in-law, Janice Schauwecker.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Bean Massey Burge Funeral Home at 2951 S. Belt Line Road, Grand Prairie, from 12:00 – 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at 2:30 PM at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

A memorial service will be Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1330 S. Fielder Road, Arlington, at 11:00 AM. All are welcome to gather at WPC from 10:00-11:00 AM for light breakfast.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to New Day, an organization that feeds food insecure AISD students on the weekend and at which Jo volunteered. See newdayarlington.org