Nancy A. Schwartz

Nancy A. Schwartz, 85, of Indian Orchard, died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Thursday morning, October 16, 2025, at her daughter's home in Seelyville. Her beloved husband of 43 years, Raymond A. Schwartz preceded her in death on October 20, 2003.

Born April 24, 1940, on the family farm in Mount Pleasant Township, she was the daughter of the late Sanford and Jennie (Sherwood) Reed. Nancy was a 1958 graduate of Pleasant Mount High School. During her years in high school, Nancy was instrumental in booking the legendary Doc Williams to perform with his wife, Chickie Williams, at Pleasant Mount High School. This experience marked the beginning of a lifelong personal friendship between Nancy, Doc, and Chickie Williams. Nancy's connection to country music also led her to meet another of her favorite performers, Dusty Owens. From that meeting, Nancy gained her nickname of "Dusty". Nancy's profound love of old-time country music stayed with her for the rest of her life. Upon graduation, Nancy attended Wayne Commercial School. Her adventurous and enthusiastic personality then led her to enlist in the United States Army at the age of 18. Nancy's enlistment continued until she was granted an Honorable Discharge in 1959 to return home to the family farm.

In the following year of 1960, a young farmer from Indian Orchard paid a visit to the Reed farm to take Nancy out for their first date. When Raymond Schwartz arrived, he found Nancy cleaning pig pens in the barn. He knew then and there that this was the girl for him. They were married later that year and were blessed together with many years and a beautiful family.

When asked what she wanted to be most remembered for, Nancy said, "I was Ray's wife." Nancy's true pride and joy was working side by side with her husband and children on the family farm. Nancy and Ray were known for their huge gardens that were generously shared with anyone willing to help harvest. Nancy crocheted literally hundreds of afghans throughout her lifetime. Even when her eyesight failed, she kept busy crocheting by touch and count creating her yarn masterpieces. She will be fondly remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, neighbor and friend. Nancy always had a way of brightening up the faces of each and every person she met.

Nancy is survived by eight children: Thomas Michael (Barbara) Schwartz, Timothy Mark (Tammy) Schwartz, Terry Mitchell (Carolann) Schwartz, Tina Marie (Ronald) VanDeLinde, Daniel Raymond (Jamie) Schwartz, Debra Robin (Mark) Davis, Diane Rebecca (Salvatore) Scarfalloto, Donna Rachael (Robert) Boots; 26 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren (with three on the way); and four great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Brenda Reed, and Phyllis McMullen. She was also preceded in death by an infant son, David Robert Schwartz, in 1980; four brothers: Sanford Reed, Martin Reed, Wynn Reed, and Howard Reed; a sister, Shirley Ostrander; and a grandson, Samuel Schwartz.

Nancy's family would like to send a special thank you to all who cared for her with great compassion during the last year, especially the staff of Wayne Memorial Hospital and Hospice of the Sacred Heart. You made a difference in her life.

Funeral Services will be held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 with Pastor Sal Maiorana officiating at the Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc., Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472. There will be a visitation from 4-6 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home. To honor Nancy's life, legacy, and green thumb, live plants would be warmly received by her family, in lieu of fresh cut flowers. Interment will be private and at the family's convenience in the Indian Orchard Cemetery.