Francine Schwartz

Francine (nee Dondershine) Fish Schwartz, a true treasure, formerly of Short Hills and Springfield, passed away Monday. November 23rd. The funeral will be held on Friday, November 27th at 12:30 p.m. at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman in Livingston, NJ.

She is survived by her daughters, Pamela Fish Zingeser (Joel), Randi Fish Ostry (Fred) Yeda Fish, her brother David Dondershine. She is also survived by her grandchildren,Marnie (Fish) Nathanson (Evan), Ross Fish, Maddie and Julie Zingeser, Ricky and Rena Ostry, and two great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her son Robert, grandson, Jordan, and her husband of 22 years, Elmer Schwartz.

Francine was above all, proud of her family, who will carry on the legacy of kindness and generosity she instilled in them. Her marriage to Marvin Fish resulted in her greatest pride and joy, her children. Born in Irvington, she was a devoted daughter and extraordinary woman whose strength, kindness, and beauty inspired her family, friends, and everyone she touched.

Francine led a life well-lived, filled with too many philanthropic endeavors to mention. She served as Sisterhood President (B’nai Israel, Millburn), and as the unofficial welcoming committee of the synagogue. Francine was a recipient of the Ben Gurion Award for Israel Bonds and she ran art tours for the synagogue.

She was a voracious reader and inspired, mentored, and taught by example. She never lost patience and always found a way to laugh. A graduate of Hood College, she worked as a preschool teacher and sang for senior citizens at local nursing homes with Shiru Nah. Francine also served as PTA President at the Sandmeier School in Springfield. She worked at Archie Schwartz Co., and always volunteered in the community, spreading joy, laughter, and light wherever she went.

Contributions in Francine's memory can be made to Robert B. Fish Foundation, Scholarship Fund, Syracuse University

or the Jordan Lee Fish Foundation of Springfield, N. J.