Obituary of Vivian Paola Schwartz

Vincenzina Bartolotta was born at Mercy Hospital in Monroe, Michigan on July 26, 1951.  She was a twin daughter born from the union of Guisseppe and Paola (Mannino) Bartolotta and raised in a proud Italian home where English was her second language.  She attended Monroe Public Schools, graduating with the Class of 1969.  Following high school, she completed career vocational courses.

Vivian caught the eye of a young man, Robert Schwartz at the Mad Hatter in Downtown Monroe.  Once he finally gained the confidence to ask her, “do you want to boogie” the rest is as they say history.  The couple was joined in holy matrimony on October 18, 1974, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monroe.  Their union was further blessed with the birth of three children.

Vivian spent several fruitful years serving in clerical roles, at various offices such as People's Federal and Monroe Bank and Trust and Fermi.  She was a legal secretary employed by Judge Kelly, and Attorney Larry VanWasshenova Family Law, she also worked with the BABES program at the Monroe Senior Center, and children with special needs.  She eventually took a position with the Michigan Secretary of State spending time at the Monroe, Temperance, and Trenton offices from where she retired after twenty years of service.

Vivian's true existence, however, was marked by her unwavering dedication to family.  Although she was a professional woman, she was deeply involved in her children’s education and activities.  She was very active in the PTA, even serving in the capacity of treasurer.  Her culinary skills in the kitchen were unparalleled, and she firmly believed that food was a gateway to the hearts of her family and friends.  Her cooking was not just a meal but an expression of love and care.  Vivian soon learned the joy of grandchildren, cherishing the time she shared with them.  They regularly had lunch dates and shared the annual tradition of enjoying the Nutcracker at the River Raisin Center for the Arts (RRCA).  She was also a talented writer and used that talent to create special messages in cards she sent for special occasions. For many years, Vivian anxiously looked forward to Sunday afternoon visits with her Italian cousins North of Detroit, Wyandotte, and Canada.

Vivian enjoyed traveling with Bob, with visits to Put-in-Bay, Ohio, Shipshewana, Hollywood Beach, Florida, and to the West Coast to visit her daughter, Amy and grandsons in California.  During these visits, she explored remarkable sites such as Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, the Central Coast, Napa Valley, local wineries, and the Pacific Ocean.

An avid collector of angels, Vivian proudly displayed each piece in her designated "Angel Room".   This passion inevitably spilled over into her love of holiday decorating, particularly at Christmas, which was always a grand affair at the Schwartz residence.

Vivian Paola Schwartz, age 72 of Erie, passed away at 2:35am on April 18, 2024, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Sylvania.  Her passing was preceded by her parents.

To cherish her memory, she leaves her husband of nearly fifty years: Robert Schwartz of Erie; three children: Bob (Holly) Schwartz of Toledo, Amy Schwartz Mayfield of Brentwood, California, and Brian (Sabrina) Schwartz of Chantilly, Virginia; her twin sister: Nina (Rick) Meier of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; six grandchildren: Alexis and Brooke Schwartz, Jacob and Brayden Mayfield, and Alyssa and Amelia Schwartz.

Friends may gather on Friday; April 26, 2024, from 2:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070 where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00pm. She will lie in state on Saturday; April 27, 2024, from 11:00am until the time of the Mass of the Resurrection at 12:00pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church; 2214 Manhattan Street, Erie, Michigan 48133.  Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery for burial. Anyone attending the funeral are invited to a dinner celebration at St. Joseph Cafeteria following the burial.

Memorials in her honor are suggested to the U of M Rogel Cancer Center Helping Hands Fund - 306353 or Flower Hospital Foundation. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.