Janet Kay (Gassaway) Schwarz passed away on January 21, 2020, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines after being diagnosed with cancer on January 8, she was 68. Jan retired after 20 years with Pioneer DuPont, where her last role was as an ISO 9000 trainer and auditor. She began her career at the downtown Des Moines JC Penney store and later worked in the office at Boesen the Florist’s Beaverdale location. Jan was a 1969 graduate of East High School and had attended DMACC. She grew up and lived in Des Moines most of her life. Jan enjoyed traveling, especially overseas, and loved trying new foods from different cultures, and being in the company of good friends. She was a devoted fundraiser and over the years participated in several events for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and donated to many causes close to her heart, including the Iowa State Fair, Iowa Public Television, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Survivors include her son, Brad, and daughter-in-law, Tammra Stitzell of Slater; her sister, Mary Millard of Des Moines; her sister-in-law, Carole Gassaway of Des Moines; several nieces and nephews; and two step-grandsons. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lois and James Gassaway, and her brother, Bob Gassaway.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made in her name to the VFW National Headquarters or the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. Please visit www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com for online condolences and expressions of sympathy for the Schwarz family.
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