Sandra L. Schwartz, age 66, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 30, 2016, following a long courageous battle with cancer.Sandy remained stoic, gracious and full of sharp wit until the very end.

Sandy was an advocate of education and human rights and followed her passion throughout her career. At the onset of her career, she provided valuable services to the community working at the following local agencies: United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS), Farmers Union-CETA Programs and the Domestic Violence Center, Manitowoc. The majority of her working years and until retirement were spent as Director of Admissions for Silver Lake College, Manitowoc. Never one to be idle for long, Sandy decided to re-enter the workforce and was most recently employed with Job Service of Manitowoc where she provided assistance to displaced workers until her final retirement.

Survivors include her daughter, Brenda Funaro and her partner Julie Cowan, step-daughter, Traci Schwartz; one grandson: Tayten Sanderson; two sisters and one brother-in-law: Kristine and David Thomley, Barbara Swiggum and special family friend Jason Smolka. Nephew Travis Thomley, his wife Dacia, niece Corrie Muhowski, her husband Al and niece Chelsey Swiggum. Sandy also had a special bond with the Schwartz's and their extended families. They were extremely special to her and an integral part of her family life too.

Sandy was preceded in death by her beloved husband Michael J. Schwartz, her parents, Norman and Lois O'Leske, and one precious granddaughter, Harlow Ava Sanderson.

She was surrounded by a large circle of dear friends whom she truly loved like extended family. It is through their kindness and caring that Sandy was able to endure when times were tough. A heartfelt thank you to: The Breakfast Club Ladies; The Spain Girls; Gourmet Ladies; The Fish Creek Crew, Rahr- West Group and the Sisters Weekend Girls to name just a few. Sandy always had such admiration and appreciation for her friends both local and afar.

A Life Celebration Social for Sandy will be held at Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc on Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel with burial of Sandy's cremated remains at Evergreen Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any memorials in Sandy's name.