Lydia Schwabe

Lydia Schwabe peacefully passed away on August 6, 2012 at the age of 82. She was born on February 19, 1930 to Gottlieb and Wanda Klepatz in a small village in Prussia, soon known as East Germany. When she was twelve, the family packed their belongings into a covered wagon and fled to West Germany. She held many jobs over many years; however, always as a caregiver. On January 19, 1961, she married Stefan Schwabe and together they boarded the ocean liner U.S.S. United States and began their married life in Portland, Oregon.

Lydia will be remembered for many things. While her husband was still with us, the family spent much time fishing; Lydia still holds the family record of a 63-lb Chinook salmon caught off the coast of Depoe Bay. She was an active member of the Portland Foursquare Church for many years where she volunteered in the nursery, with various programs and participated in weekly bible study. She was an active member of the Salvation Army Senior Club where she took many day trips and volunteered in the kitchen. She was a wonderful cook and opened her home and her kitchen to many. Her gracious, loving spirit and unconditional love for everyone will always be remembered. However, what most people remember about her was her hugs; as one grandson put it, “Oma Schwabe’s death grip.”

Lydia leaves her two children Steve married to Kathy and Betty married to Martin. She was Oma to Jessica, Jessi, Dylan, Kristina, and Nathan. She was great-grandma to Jordan, Christian, Tyler, Lilly, Grace, and Maddie.

The family would like to thank Expressions for their exceptional care of Lydia in her final stage of Alzheimer’s. Each and every one of you was her “sweetie”.

A funeral service and celebration of her life will be held on Friday, August 10, 2012, at 2:00 in the afternoon with viewing available from 11:00 to 1:30.