Obituary of Barbara Schwach

Olean, NY - Barbara F. Schwach passed away Tuesday (May 20, 2014) at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo following a short illness. She was born on April 18, 1945 in Buffalo, NY, daughter of the late John and Marie (Lewandowski) Frank. She attended Medaille College (Mount Saint Joseph Teachers College) for her undergraduate education and taught in several primary schools in Buffalo. Following further study in the fine arts at Daemen College (Rosary Hill) under James K.Y. Kuo and Steven Clippinger, she continued her lifelong love for oil painting, while also teaching at Mount Saint Joseph Academy High School. Following the full time raising of her children, she pursued further certification for pre-school education and taught at the Montessori Children's House in Olean until health issues imposed early retirement. She is survived by her devoted husband of 38 years Dr. Paul Schwach, their loving children �" Rebecca (Joshua) Dulmus of Olean, Catherine Schwach of San Francisco, and David (Nina) Schwach of Houston, Texas; dear brothers John Frank of Los Angeles, and George (Alexis) Frank of East Aurora, NY; her precious granddaughter Rachael, a long time friend Charlene Kastel, and several cousins. Barbara enjoyed singing and was a former member of Keynote Chorus, and church choirs. As a member of St. Mary of the Angels Parish, she served as a Eucharistic minister and school volunteer. She had a special affection for the ministry of non-violence. Barbara also enjoyed travelling and sharing her love for the visual arts and music. She was a sponsor-member of the Friends of Good Music, Southern Tier Symphony, and Olean Community Theater. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig and Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Road on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday (May 24, 2014) beginning with a 9:30 am prayer service at the funeral home, followed by a 10 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Angels Church. Rev. Gregory Dobson will be celebrant. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery and at the convenience of the family. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials, if desired, may be made to SSJ Sister Karen Klimczak Center for Non- Violence, 80 Durham Ave, Buffalo, NY 14215.