I was just looking for baby photos and found this. She was my grandma. I loved her even though i didn't know her very well. I know no one will probably read this but i just wanted to say this.

Pyper Casson.

I knew Amy and Heidi when we were kids and actually Mrs Swartz took Amy and I to my first concert ever.  Madonna at the USF Sundome, 15 may, 1985...  :-)   My mom worked with Mrs Swartz for many years at Pinellas Country Schools.  Holly was an awesome person, parent, and educator.  Our world is less for the loss of this amazing woman.

Yesterday family and friends celebrated the life of Holly Swartz.  I first met Holly and family when we moved to 9lst Avenue in Seminole, FL. in 1979.  Holly, John, Amy and Heidi lived across the street from us.  We all became fast friends and our neighbors all became part of our family.  Celebrating holidays together became familiar events.  Our children grew up together and still get together when they are all in town.  Holly was a wonderful person who loved life, enjoyed and cherished her family and friends and never had a bad word to say about anyone.  My family will miss her greatly but will remember her kindness and gentle ways.  Until we meet again..

TO OUR DEAR FRIEND, HOLLY:

MAY THE ROAD RISE TO MEET YOU
MAY THE WIND BE ALWAYS AT YOUR BACK
MAY THE SUN SHINE WARM UPON YOUR FACE
AND RAINS FALL SOFT UPON YOUR FIELDS,
AND UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, 
MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HANDS.

Holly was special...she was a bright light in my life..always sunshine..always positive...she loved everyone and they loved her right back...so many of us have special 'Holly' stories and they are precious memories..she was special to my whole family and we will miss her terribly..all my love to Heidi and Amy and your beautiful families...the memorial service was wonderful and a perfect tribute to your beautiful Mom...she was, and is, so very proud of you.

Holly was an amazing and wonderful person, She was a special friend, and an inspiration to all who knew her.  She will begreatly missed.  Our deepest sympathies are extended to Amy and Heidi and their families, and to John.   You are all in our thoughts and prayers, and now have a special angel to watch over you from Heaven.         With our deepest sympathy, Linda and Mike Irving

James Bogardus Â· State University of New York College at Oswego
While stopping At Price Chopper Sunday, I had no idea my life would be so changed in the ensuing moments. I talked to Barb Collins and the conversation turned to our kids, family and Fulton wrestling and then, and then, "Oh! by the way, did you hear tha t Holly had passed away? I know you were close as classmates ".Those words, through the rest of yesterday, through the night anf now this morning as I set here and labor to do her some form of homage to justly relay the importance this one beautiful person had in my life. "To know her is to love her" were it any one else would be so banal. Yet, to her it could be a justifying epitaph to such a wonderful person who so uselfishly gave of her self to her family and friends.



And so, to you her family who were so blessed to have held her and had her love you, their are no words, no thoughts of condolence expressed at this moment to belay your pain. Suffice it to say the profound effect your mother, grand mother, friend had on so many others is not, will not be forgotten. There is a deep hole in my heart and I , as many others join you in these days of deep grief and sorrow, but also rejoice that we will soon join hands again as surely Holly's name is written in the book of eternal life.

Carol Rondomanski Hughes commented on hollyswartz.com.
Losing Holly is a huge lose for everyone. She had a heart of gold and defined the word "friendship." She was singularly the most influential person of my Fulton High School days. She was my best friend. 

Freshman year I transitioned from St Mary's across the park to the high school. Within days, she introduced herself and immediately began to help me meet new people and feel welcome. That first week, she tutored me in science (the nuns were not known for a strong science curriculum!) so that I could jump up to Earth Science, a big deal then. Through high school, we talked on the phone, had pajama parties, gossipped, walked around downtown Fulton, laughed and enjoyed being the best friends ever. Although I had four sisters, she was my fifth. 

I wish that I could say that I did as much for Holly as she did for me, but I can't. That would have been impossible. Holly always gave more than she received.

Today and always, she will be in my thoughts and prayers. But I thank God for her gift of friendship that I will have forever. Remembering Holly leaves me with a big smile on my face...happy memories.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Holly was a wonderful lady and she was always smiling.  It was a pleasure to know her and take care of her.  Sincerely, The Nurses at the Highland Office

Grace Delli Fraine Our thoughts and payers are with you and Amy. We are so very sorry for your loss . All of us from 91st Ave. share your loss. What wonderful times we all had together. We Never saw your Mom without a smile on her face. Hope to see and visit with you March 10th.

Susan McVey Heidi, Please accept my deep condolences on your mom's passing. It's been decades since Holly and I have seen each other, and I didn't know she was so ill. I will never forget the good times we had in junior high school in Fulton. Please pass my sympathies on to your sister. Your mom was a special lady. She will be missed! Know that you are in our prayers.

Sharon Derickson Silvers Heidi! I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet, sweet mother. I'm also so happy that you posted this on FB. Looking forward to seeing you - keeping all of you in my prayers.

I worked with Holly for several years at Meadowlawn. She was such a great teacher and we shared many laughs together. My sympathies to her family but know how many lives your mom touched, not just students but fellow teachers as well. May God be with you in this difficult time.                                                
Melodee Drake

Your Mom was such a pleasure to be with. Always saying nice things about everyone. Just a dear, sweet, lady and she will truly be missed by so many. Love and prayers to your family. Mary Champney

Our sincere condolences to Holly's family.  I know how proud she was of her girls and her grandchildren and how much she loved them.  Holly was such a genuinely good, kind and courageous woman. The statement "Job Well Done"  fits Holly perfectly. We hope the many beautiful memories you have of your Mom will help you during this difficult time.
In sympathy, Bill and Sandy Fussner

Toula Panagopoulou Â· Î‘Î Î˜ Î‘Î“Î“Î›Î™ÎšÎ— Î¦Î™Î›ÎŸÎ›ÎŸÎ“Î™Î‘
Toula Panagopoulou Thessaloniki, Greece
Condolences from Toula and family to Heidi, Amy their families and relatives.Being an AFS exchange student and living with the Wabys for the school year 1962-63 was a valuable experience for me. Holly - my AFS sister -helped in my adjustment at school and generally in everyday life, and I suppose it was an experience for her - an only child - to have a sibling for one year.The Waby family was my second family and together with Fulton high school and community they all pleasantly marked and influenced my late teenage years and the years that followed.
When the AFS year was over I returned to Greece. Holly and I met again in June 1976 for 2 days in Thessaloniki (Northern Greece ) on her way to the Greek island of Karpathos ( Southern Aegean Sea ).
My thoughts and prayers are with her family.I'll be lighting a candle for Holly as I do for my departed loved ones.

I've known Holly for over 27 years and the world will have much less laughter with her gone. Life was a party for her as she moved from one activity to another.  I never knew how she had  so much energy.  I taught with Holly at Largo Middle School in a program for at risk kids.  She had such a talent for working with these  students. I also had the pleasure of traveling with her to NYC many times and I will always remember the fun we had.  Amy and Hiedi how much she loved you and how proud she was of you both.

We are so very sorry to hear of Holly's passing and sad to know we won't see her again in this life.  We had not seen Holly for many years and then reconnected this past year with Holly and John.  Just playing cards was even more fun with Holly.  After all that time apart, she haden't changed at all; she had a unique ability, in fact, a gift of bridging any gaps with her beautiful personality and her huge heart.  She was so proud of her daughters and relished in filling in the pieces of their lives, since we last saw them as children. She was also so happy to be a grandmother and couldn't wait to see her grandkids again.  
Holly will certainly be missed.  She will be shining her light in heaven now. Sincere condolonces to Holly's family --our prayers are with you.

Sue McFeely Â· Bookkeeper at Electrosynthesis Co., Inc
What a great site! Your mom was such an awesome person! I am so glad we got to see her last year. She was such an influence in my life as I was growing up. I'll never forget coming up to Sandusky when Amy was a baby and going out on the boat - all Amy said was weeee-weee! Good memories. She taught me how to do the sidestroke by picking apples that year too.

Holly, I will never have a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich or a root beer float without thinking of you and the fun we had swimming in the backyard pool.  You were one of a kind and I am a better person because of you.  Thank you for the privilege of knowing and loving you.  May God's light shine upon you and yours.  Always- with love...

Holly...you left us too soon. You were and always will be my friend and I have MSAP to thank for that. You made me laugh so much. Thanks for being in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Amy, Heidi and your families.

Jason Stadtlander
I just want to express my condolences to all of Holly's family (which are also my family) and friends. Holly will be missed and I'm sorry I didn't get to spend more recent time with her. All the best.

Louella Griswold LeClair
So sorry to hear of Holly passing. She was always happy and suportive to the underclassmen at Fulton High. So many fond memories. My sincere condolences to her family.

Mary Nigh Â· School of Hard Knocks
I will always remember Holly's smile and kindness. Haven't seen her in years but when I think of Holly, I see her face of 1963. She was a kind soul with a smile that was sincere and contagious. Holly is gone, but her presence will always be with us.

Karen Brown Â· G.Ray Bodley High School
Holly and I Were in Earth Science class together and had desks next to each other. We were always whispering and giggling together. I remember she always wanted to hear me sing (whisper sing). I certainly don't have a singing voice but she always got a kick out of my singing.

I'm so glad she came to our 45th ckass reunion. I think she told me she was going to be a grandmother and was so excited. 

I will miss all the memories of Holly. My prayers are with her family

Robert Brackett Â· SUNY Empire State
Holly was a classmate and friend... I only wish I had more time to know her. She always had a vibrant spirit and was a pleasure to be with.
Bob Brackett

Paul McKinney Â· Syracuse University
Holly....there was only one of her. She befriended many an underclassman like myself with kindness and always a smile and good word. 

A diplomat on Student Council, Holly always tried to bring intelligence and good deeds to all the activities she was involved in. She loved old Fulton High School. She kept many good friends. 

Prayers to her family and close friends.

Paul McKinney, Class of 64.

Ted Butler Romas Â· Fulton High School
As a classmate and friend of Holly during our years spent together at Fulton (NY) High School (1959~1963), I know she will be sadly missed by many. I have already sent information about her passing and this web site (wonderful idea!) to all of our classmates who have e-mail (about 150). Our class also has a FaceBook page, Fulton High School Class of 1963, where I also posted information about this web site. I expect you will be getting many more thoughts and prayers soon.

Bonita Woodward Â· CCC
I have been sitting here trying to find the right words to express how I feel righ now. All I can say is Heaven just got another angel. Holly and I had many good times together in High School and even thought we did not see each other much after High School she always welcomed me into her world. I so enjoyed talking with her at the 45 th class reunion and seeing her smiling face. She always made me feel so comfortable in her presents! As Paul said she was one of a kind! My prayers go out to all her family and friends at this time of sorrow. Turn to the Lord to help you all get thru this difficult time. RIP Holly

To Amy & Benton, Heidi & Brian, Israel & Piper: Your mother and grandmother was one of the loveliest persons I've ever known. We met in High School and "went together" for most of High School and the first year in college. I had fallen in love, but didn't have the courage to ask her if she felt the same way because I thought then that she was too good for me. I still do. She went to West Virginia and I went to Ohio Northern. Then she fell in love and we drifted apart. Years later, we connected again when she was up north for a family event. Then I was with her when I got to preside at her father's committal service in Barnes Corners. After that, we saw each other whenever she was in New York. Most recently, we had lunch at her favorite Inn on the lake at Skaneateles. We laughed together about the fact that she would not leave Florida and I would not leave New York. What she may not have known was that I still believed she was too good for me and didn't have the nerve to ask her if she'd at least think about it. Still, I loved it that we were in the world together. Her parents were the classiest people I knew. And I knew them when I was young enough for it to have an influence on my life. I pray that in the days ahead the pain of this moment will lesson as your gratitude for what you have had in her as a mother and as a grandmother gets larger. As has happened to you, the world has gotten smaller for me today. I loved her always. I love her still. Rev. Mike

Ted Butler Romas Â· Fulton High School
Heidi Swartz Casson: Heidi, there is a web site for the Fulton High School (NY) Class of 1963 @ www.fhsclassof63.com There are hundreds of photos posted there that were taken at our 45th class reunion in 2008, which your mother attended. I just looked through many of the photos and she is in some. Check the album posted by Carol Crisafulli, there at least two photos of her there. I think you can copy them off the web site. If not, let me know and I can try to e-mail them to you as attachments. My e-address is: fultonny63@frontiernet.net. Also, the entire yearbook for our class is posted there and there are quite a few photos of your mother there as well. I will inform the web master to add her to the In Memoriam page on the class web site.

Jeanneane Lamotte Â· Mayland Community College
Girls, your mom was a "trip!" Our union of friendship was a fluke to say the least. My daughter Mikelena asked me if I would rent a room in my home to this lady from Florida who would be teaching up here in the fall at Mayland Community College. I told her I would think about it and to have her call me and we would talk. That was one of the smartest decisions I ever made, believe me. I can still see her pulling up in the driveway of my rustic cabin in the woods. She was driving a Ford SUV, teal in color and she didn't know anything about a 4-wheel drive, but that didn't stop my friend. She brought much joy, laughter, insight and a true bonding of friends into my life and everyone who knew her here in Burnsville, N.C. She didn't make this a permanent job or place to live, but in the short time she spent with me and my family, fiance and friends, has lasted 12 years. We remained friends, she visited often and it was like we were never apart. We will miss her antics and her disorganization immensely. She is and always will be part of the fabric of my life. I will see you soon my friend, you and Coy, (my fiance that passed away August 26, 2010,) are in heaven dancing and having a ball while Whitney leads praise and worship! I love you both with an everlasting love, Jeanneane.

I have known Holly since I was 15, as Heidi and I met and became fast friends when we were just 14. The following year, we made plans for a visit in Florida over spring break.  Heidi came down with the chicken pox just before I was scheduled to arrive.  My greatest memories of Holly involve her picking me up at the airport and explaining how much fun we were going to have together...she was right!  We went all over town and did amazing things- she was incredibly generous and full of laughter and life.  I know she will be greatly missed.  Heidi and Amy, you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  Much Love, Laurie

My thoughts and prayers to Holly's Daughters, John and all of her Family.  It was a pleasure always to be with Holly.  We seemed to have connections that kept us always talking or dreaming of what to do next.  From our growing up in New York, to teaching in Florida, to our appreciation of the North Carolina Mountains.  We had a whole lot of laughs in our monthly outings with the group from LMS over the years!  Bless you Holly and thank you for your friendship.

Holly Swartz, my mom, was the worlds best mom!  I can remember in school and in sports my mom attended every one of those games and every play we even had one line in.  She was firm but always the coolest mom on the block. She would spend her last dime on a pizza for dinner if that's what we wanted.  I can remember some of our best memories are summers in Fulton New York walking the streets since my grandfather took over the TV on Yankee games nights.  We would hear about her being a little girl in that town and talk for hours about life, growing up, the past and the future.  I can't imagine how I am going to exsist in this life without her on my side.  I always knew everything would be okay as long as I could call my mom and she would agree that I was always right.  Okay, she didn't always agree with everything but I know she was always on my side with absolute non-judgement.  I will miss my mom, but I am so VERY thankful for the 42 years i had.  I know someday we will meet again.  Love you mom!  

Amy Swartz Wells

I had the privelege of working with Holly at Largo Middle School. She was a kind person with a wonderful sense of humor. It was a pleasure to know her.

OBITUARY

Holly W. Swartz

January 12, 1945 – February 20, 2012

Serenity Funeral Home & Serenity Gardens Memorial Park

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