Josephine E. “Betty” Schwartz, 97, of North Whitehall Township, died Dec. 17, 2018, holding the hand of her cherished hospice volunteer, Polly, surrounded by family in the home of her granddaughter Lenore “Lynn” Tretter and her husband David.

She was the wife of the late Kenneth P. Schwartz.

Born in Allentown, she was a daughter of the late Joseph M. and Matilda A.E. (Riedy) Reeser.

A seamstress for the former Schneider Manufacturing for 22 years, she retired in 1984.

She was a lifelong member of Salem United Methodist Church, Allentown, where she was a former member of the choir, the Clicking Needles and Workshop, Sunday School teacher and former president of United Methodist Women.

She was a member of the Schneider Girls and the Franklin Senior Citizens.

A loving grandmother, she enjoyed crafts, gardening, sewing, and slumber parties with her sister Marion.

Anyone who knew her valued her charm and wisdom. She always had a great story to tell and will be remembered for her dedication to sending greeting cards to friends and family.

Her love of life, family and making the best of everything was a gift that she shared freely.

She will be missed, and in the family’s thoughts always.

Her survivors include son Paul K. Schwartz and his wife, Judy, of Center Valley; daughter Beth A. Fahringer and her husband, Lee, of Maricopa, Ariz.; Brother Joseph G. Reeser and his wife, Sally, of Bethlehem; grandchildren Lenore A. Tretter and her husband, David, with whom she resided, Jeff Schwartz and his wife, Michelle, Greg Schwartz, Tami Kondravy and her husband Matthew, Traci Williams and her husband, Bradley, and Tricia Fry and her husband, Scott; great-grandchildren David Tretter Jr. and his wife, Kaitlynn, Kyle Tretter, Zachary and Lee Kondravy, David Murphy Jr., and Lilly Fry; three step-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by sisters Ruth Ott, Aldine Miller and Marion Miller.

Contributions may be made to St. Luke’s VNA Hospice, 240 Union Station Plaza, Bethlehem, PA 18015, or to Salem UMC, 1401 Linden St, Allentown, PA 18102.

Arrangements made by Stephens Funeral Home Inc., Allentown.