Ellen Mariam Potash Schwartz

Ellen Potash Schwartz November 29, 1927 – September 27, 2011 Ellen Miriam Potash Schwartz, 83, of Waco, Texas, passed away Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at Baylor Hospital in Dallas following complications from heart surgery. A memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m., Sunday, October 2, at Wilkirson Hatch Bailey in Waco with Rabbi Gordon Fuller officiating. The younger of two daughters of the late Max and Rose Potash, Ellen was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. After graduating from LA's Fairfax High School, she went to work as a producer's assistant for 20th Century Fox at the height of the studio-based motion picture industry. In 1952, she was introduced to Arthur Schwartz (from Waco, Texas) who was in LA on business. The two married on May 2, 1953, and enjoyed 54 years of marriage until Arthur's death in 2007. After moving to Waco with her husband, Ellen became active in the community by volunteering on various boards and committees. But first, and foremost, was always her role as a wife to Arthur, mother to their three sons, Jimmy, Martin, and John, and later, as a grandmother to Jake and Joe. Ellen was a long-time member of Temple Rodef Sholom, a past president of its Sisterhood, and a life member of Hadassah. She was involved in her sons' schools' PTAs and served as a Cub Scout den mother. In addition to being preceded in death by her parents and husband, Ellen was also preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Clurman; sisters-in-law, Susan Schwartz and Marian Klein; and brothers-in-law, Richard Clurman, Jake Schwartz, Morris Williams and Larry Klein. She is survived by sons, Jimmy, Martin and wife, Loren, and John and wife, Debbie; grandsons, Jake and Joe, who were her pride and joy; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Ellen's caregivers Ena and Norma. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends for Life, Meals and Wheels, or a charity of choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.