Leanne Elizabeth Schwartz (nee Hertz) December 18th, 1966 - June 29th, 2023 We are heartbroken to announce that Leanne Elizabeth Schwartz (nee Hertz) passed away on Thursday June 29th, 2023, with her family by her side at the young age of 56. She is survived by her husband, Garry Schwartz, her daughter Danielle Pelaia (Denis Cole), her stepchildren Megan Schwartz (Kyle Giese), Jeremy (Hayley) Schwartz, and Aaron Schwartz (Melissa Payne), as well her three grandchildren, whom she cherished dearly, Akaylia and Kreston Schwartz, and Wyatt Giese. Leanne will be dearly missed by her loving siblings Robert Hertz, Leo (Joyce) Hertz, Walter (Marlene) Hertz, Estelle (Carlo) Cantera, Sylvia Bishop, Dolores (Jack) Shodin, Brian Hertz, Joseph (Jennifer) Hertz, Thomas (Marjorie) Hertz, Gregory Hertz, Carla (Richard) Campbell, and Paul Hertz, and her numerous nieces and nephews who will never forget their Auntie Annie. She is also survived by the Schwartz family including mother-in-law Delia, brother-in-law Darrell (Debbie), and sister-in-law Wendy. Welcoming Leanne in Heaven are her parents, Dorothy and Eric Hertz, her siblings Carol and Gary Hertz, her sister-in-law Louise Hertz, her brother-in-law Terry Bishop, her nephew Brad Hertz, her cousin Norma Michaluk, as well as close friends Susan Halley and Arvid Fors. Leanne was born and raised in Kenora, Ontario where she grew up in a loving home on “Hertz’s Corner.” Always nearby, were her friends from the East Highway Crew, including her sister Carla, and her niece Lael. Many of our family’s most treasured memories of Leanne are of times spent at Hunting Camp, at Pike Lake, or in the blueberry patch. With outstanding marksmanship while hunting and a natural skill for finding the walleyes, Leanne would spend as much time outside as she could. While she could skin a deer or field-dress a moose with her eyes closed, on the sound advice of her mother, she never learned how to clean fish. Leanne was inspired by her mother in countless ways, inheriting her love for cooking and her natural caregiving abilities from her mom. This encouraged Leanne to pursue an education in the Culinary Arts, as well as an education in Early Childhood Development. She went on to have a successful 32-year career with the Kenora Catholic District School Board as an Educational Assistant. In 1993, Leanne was blessed with her daughter Danielle Pelaia, who quickly became her best friend and youngest apprentice. As a child, Danielle would dance around in her mom’s fancy work shoes and wear plastic glasses just to look more like her mom. Leanne led by example, allowing Danielle to absorb all of her passion, knowledge, life skills, and faith. Leanne’s faith has always guided her, and when her health allowed, she attended Mass every day of the week. She especially cherished weekend Mass with her daughter Danielle, son-in-law Denis, nephew Cory, and sister Estelle. In 2011 Leanne settled perfectly into her new role as Granny, upon the arrival of her first grandchild. Friday night dinners became an instant tradition that quickly turned into sleepovers and waking up early for Saturday morning yard sales with Auntie Syb and the grandkids. Craft supplies and children’s toys filled the kids’ room at Granny and Grandpa’s, the cookie jar was always full, and the pickles were in the fridge. Her three grandchildren brought immense joy to her life, and we know that she will be looking down on Akaylia, Kreston, and Wyatt as they grow up. While our family misses her more than words can describe, we know that she has been welcomed with open arms. Recalling her unimaginable strength and bravery will guide us as we navigate life without her. Leanne, Mom, Granny, thank you for every minute you spent with us. Help us to be more like you each day and please watch over us from above. P.S. Thank you for sharing your dill pickle recipe. Honorary Pallbearers Jeremy Schwartz, Aaron Schwartz, Denis Cole, Kyle Giese, Cory Hertz, Vern Hertz, Christopher Hertz, and Andrew Shodin. Funeral Service will be held on Monday July 10th, 2023 at 11:00 am at Notre Dame du Portage Roman Catholic Church with Father Rudy Manaloto officiating. Interment will take place at Lake of the Woods Cemetery. Refreshments and a light lunch will be served in the CWL Hall at Notre Dame du Portage parish following. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Leanne may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Schwartz family.
