Obituary of Patty Schwartz

April 27, 1935 – Bakersfield, California

March 1, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Patty Schwartz passed away peacefully on Friday, March 1, 2024, in Calgary, AB, with her daughter Sue by her side.   

Patty was born April 27, 1935, in Bakersfield, CA, daughter of Dorris and Leslie M. Clark. She is survived by Sue (Jim Tracy), her sons, Bill (Teresa) and Don (Lee) Schwartz; and her beloved grandchildren, Carson and Calista Schwartz, and Lydia and Stella Schwartz. She was predeceased by her husband Howard William Schwartz and her brother Howard Leslie Clark.  

In 1943, the Clark family moved from Illinois to Alberta when her father was transferred within Imperial Oil Ltd. They resided on 7th Street in Elbow Park, where Patty attended Elbow Park Elementary and then Central Memorial High. She spent her summers with her father and brother in the Rocky Mountains, discovering a love for geology, rock formations, and especially trilobites. She and her father climbed most of the peaks in the Rockies and this led to a lifelong enjoyment with her own family of hiking, climbing, and picture taking!  

In particular, her love of skiing and the mountains led Patty to a lifetime of ski racing, from winning the Sir Norman Watson DH at Norquay, to being a member of the Stanford Ski Team, to volunteering with the Sunshine Ski Club, from the 1988 Olympics as Chief of Gate Judges, to the World Cup races at Lake Louise. She was an avid participant and everyone's biggest fan.   

We miss you Mom, you are truly a legend in the skiing world and the Calgary community at large.   

Patty’s family would like to express appreciation to the staff at Aspira Britannia Retirement Living in Calgary, for the excellent care she received. 

A Celebration of Patty’s life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow immediately afterward at The Glencoe Club (636 29 Ave SW, Calgary, AB). All are welcome to attend and join her family and friends in commemorating Patty's life. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Patty’s service streamed live on the day of the service here.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Patty's memory, to Alberta Alpine Ski Association. Contact Patrick Gillespie, President Alberta Alpine for donation information.  403-609-7184 / patrick@albertaalpine.ca. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Patty’s family here.

In living memory of Patty Schwartz, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Patty's Funeral Service