Sister Angela “Angie” Louise Schwartz

“I assure you that whoever does not accept the reign of God like a little child shall not take part in it.” (Matthew 19:14)

“Sister Angie chose this Scripture passage because it was how she saw God in her life. She said, ‘I taught little ones so many years that I feel close to God and see God in a child-like way.’ She did indeed! She was a true example of joyful simplicity,” said Sister Betty Hopf in her commentary for Sister Angela “Angie” Louise Schwartz, who died March 1.

One of two daughters of Edwin and Bridget (Jarboe) Schwartz, Elizabeth Catherine Schwartz was born Jan. 12, 1928, in Evansville, Ind. She attended St. Anthony Grade School and Reitz Memorial High School, both in Evansville. She entered the Congregation July 21, 1946, and professed first and perpetual vows Jan. 23, 1949, and 1954, respectively. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in education from Indiana State University.

Sister Angie began teaching elementary school in 1949 at St. Ann, Washington, D.C. She also taught at Ascension, Halethorpe, Md., and St. Mel-Holy Ghost, Chicago. For the next 36 years, she ministered in Indiana at Annunciation, Brazil; St. Philip Neri and St. Catherine, Indianapolis; St. Michael, Greenfield; Good Shepherd, Evansville; and St. John, Newburgh. In 1989, Sister Angie returned to the Woods to minister as the director of Health Care Activities. She continued to serve in the Activities Department until 2002 when she became a Ministry of Care volunteer until her health prevented her from doing so.

“Sister Angie loved to shop! The mention of this joy in her life led her to do the shopping for our sisters in Health Care. Her collection of poetry even includes one about shopping!” shared Sister Betty.

“Another of Sister Angie’s joys in life was eating. She found great delight in going out to eat and finding new restaurants. Her friends would often please her with a meal out.

“Sister Angie was fun loving and enjoyed parties. She had an infectious laugh. One of her friends said, ‘Her musical laugh could make anyone laugh and enjoy herself.’ Another friend liked her quiet chuckle. However one would describe her laugh it always spoke of her joyful spirit,” continued Sister Betty.

“Sister Angie was basically a shy person and thought of herself as homely and unattractive. She once explained that this was the reason she compensated with stylish and colorful clothes. She would always make sure that her hair looked nice. The decision to shave her hair following chemo was an extremely painful one. The sharing of these thoughts with me brought tears to my eyes, as I told her that she was one of the most beautiful people I have ever known, for true beauty is from within,” said Sister Betty.

“One of the pearls of Sister Angie’s beauty was her graciousness. Gratitude was her trademark. She was constantly expressing gratitude for everything and so appreciative for anything that others felt they couldn’t do enough for her. Another pearl was Sister Angie’s loyalty to her friends. She accepted people where they were. She did not criticize, gossip or speak unkind words. She was a gentle lady. She had a forgiving heart that did not allow bitterness to take hold, even through her most painful hurts,” said Sister Betty.

“Sister Angie left us with this message: ‘The most important thing to me was that I knew I was loved by God. Enjoying this love, I considered myself extremely blessed. I say to you, my sisters, family and friends, love with the heart of little children,” Sister Betty concluded.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Angie was celebrated March 4, with the Rev. Daniel Hopcus presiding. She was preceded in death by her sister.