OBITUARY: Goldie Swartz

Goldie Swartz, 79, of Longboat Key, died June 1.

Born Aug. 16, 1930, in Brooklyn, N.Y., she graduated high school at 16 as salutatorian of her class and editor of her high-school newspaper and went on to graduate from Albany State Teachers College. She married Howard Swartz in 1950.

Mrs. Swartz taught fifth grade in Clarkstown, N.Y., from 1965 to 1989, when she retired and moved to Longboat Key. She was an avid bicyclist, often riding 40 miles a day and going on major bicycle trips in the United States and in Europe. After Mr. Swartz lost most of his sight, the couple rode on a tandem bicycle with Mrs. Swartz in front. Mrs. Swartz also enjoyed swimming, exercising, walks on the beach, and attending musical and cultural performances.

The Swartzes established the Goldie Brenner Swartz and Howard Swartz Scholarship Fund at University of Albany — SUNY, which provides scholarships to students with disabilities, primarily those with vision impairments.

Mrs. Swartz is survived by her husband, Howard; sons Mark, of New York City, and Barry, of Clarence, N.Y.; three grandsons; and cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 4, at Temple Beth El, 415 Viola Road, Spring Valley, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The University of Albany Foundation, UAB 226, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, N.Y. 12222, with “Swartz Scholarship” indicated on the memo portion of the check.