Karolyn Schwartz
April 21, 1938 - February 25, 2024
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Karolyn Schwartz
April 21, 1938 - February 25, 2024
Obituary
Karolyn Schwartz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully departed on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at the age of 85. Karolyn was born on April 21st, 1938 to Irving and Hertha Knutsen in Bellingham, WA. She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will forever be remembered.
Karolyn’s journey began in Bellingham, where she attended Bellingham High School and later pursued her education at the University of Washington before graduating from Western Washington University. A beacon of knowledge and inspiration, Karolyn dedicated 26 years of her life as a beloved teacher at Fairhaven Middle School until her retirement in 2001. Her passion for education touched the lives of countless students, leaving an indelible mark on the community she served.
Throughout her life, Karolyn found solace and strength in her faith as a lifelong member of Central Lutheran Church. Her unwavering devotion and infectious laughter brought light to every gathering, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Karolyn is preceded in death by her parents, Irving and Hertha Knutsen, her beloved husband, Richard Schwartz, her sister Virgie Hartford, her brother Rick Knutsen, and her sister Marci Scott. She is survived by her son, Gregory Schwartz, and wife Miriam; daughter Jennifer Monson and husband Jason; daughter Suzanne Lurie and husband Glenn; her adored grandchildren Julia and Samantha Schwartz, Jake and Jillian Monson, Mitch Lurie and wife Raelyn, and Sydney Lurie. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Harold Scott, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A remembrance service to celebrate Karolyn’s remarkable life will be held at Moles Bayview Chapel, 2465 Lakeway Drive, on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation at Bellinghamschoolsfoundation.org.
Funeral Service
- Date & Time: March 25, 2024 (11:30 AM)
- Next Service: Celebration Of Life Immediately Following.
- Venue: Moles Farewell Tributes – Bayview Chapel
- Location: 2465 Lakeway Drive Bellingham, WA 98229 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) 733-0510
Bellingham Public Schools Foundation
- Address: 1306 Dupont Street Bellingham, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)
- Website: https://www.bellinghamschoolsfoundation.org/
- Email Address: foundation@bellinghamschools.org
- Phone Number: (360) 676-6479
- Description: Your donation to the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation provides the direct support that kids, teachers, and families need to thrive throughout the school day and beyond.
10 responses to Karolyn Schwartz
Billey Force says:
March 1, 2024
Speaking on behalf of the Bellingham High School Class of 1956, we send our condolences to Karolyn’s entire family. Our class has lost a remarkable and much loved classmate. We all enjoyed visiting with her at our class reunions and luncheons. She will be missed.
Billey (Quanz) Force
Jennifer says:
March 2, 2024
Thank you so much, Billey. She loved all her classmates!
Kitty Todd says:
March 1, 2024
Karolyn and I went to grade school and we walked together to school, then Whatcom Jr High and BHS ❤️❤️She will be so missed🙏🙏
Jennifer says:
March 2, 2024
Such special memories, Kitty. She loved coming to your house for class reunion get togethers.
Sandra Bogen says:
March 3, 2024
Karolyn was my husband Ron Bogen’s 1st cousin. When we moved back to Bellingham in 2000, we were able to reconnect with Ron’s Knutsen cousins and spent many wonderful years attending reunions and luncheons with Karolyn, her Mom, and Marci. I was blessed to have visited with Karolyn on Friday, February 23. We spent a wonderful time together, sharing memories and with much laughter. We admired Karolyn’s spirit and the humor she used to tackle life with all of its’ challenges. We are grateful to have had this treasured time with Karolyn and send our deepest sympathy to all of Karolyn’s family for their loss.
With love and prayers for you, Sandy and Ron Bogen
Rhonda Savage says:
March 3, 2024
Karolyn was a beautiful and kind lady. I used to play games with her and her sisters, Marci and Virgie. They all had amazing kindness and humor. She was a remarkable, intelligent lady, with grace and class. My condolences to her family.
Gwen Groden says:
March 4, 2024
Karolyn was a wonderful next door neighbor. Her kind and welcoming nature was always evident. We shared an evil hedge, and her humor and wit made our conversations a pleasure. The world needs more people like Karolyn.