Janice Mirabella Schwartz

Janice Mirabella Schwartz through God’s grace and St. Joseph’s intercession died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 96 years young after a day of Italian and birthday celebrations, on Friday, March 24, 2023. She is noted for her vibrance, love of life, and family. Her hallmark was being seen dressed in her many sparkly hats and entertaining everyone with her musical stuffed animals. Our favorite memories were gathering at the table, enjoying her delicious cooking, especially homemade bread and pizza.

Janice was born in Youngstown, Ohio to Anthony Mirabella and Lucy Naples Thomas (and loving step-father, Ralph Thomas). At 18 years old, a feisty Northerner came down South and began working as a radio operator for National Airlines and later Western Union and Texaco Oil Co. She met and was married to Harold Joseph Schwartz Jr. of New Orleans (deceased) for 67 years and they were loving parents of Paula Schwartz Powell (married to deceased Henry “Herb” Powell III) and Timothy Schwartz (deceased).

Through the years she became “Me Maw” not only to the following grandchildren and great grandchildren but to everyone! She made happy memories with grandchildren: Tiffany Powell Thieme (Jared), Lieutenant Col. Damien Powell (Robin) and Lauren Powell, Michael Schwartz (Aerin), Eric Schwartz (Amanda), great grandchildren: Robert “Trey” Higgins III, Brennan Higgins, Aurora Powell, Jacoby Powell, Marlee Powell, Aiden Schwartz, Alyssa Schwartz, Sperry Schwartz, Harley Schwartz. “Me Maw” always kept abreast of their interests and accomplishments.

She was active in the Gentilly Lake Homemakers Club and the BALL (Be Active Live Longer) Club. She loved to entertain her Ohio relatives that came to visit and see New Orleans over the years. Finding a new home after Hurricane Katrina, Harold and Janice became active in St. John of the Cross Parish in Lacombe where she became a member of the Ladies Guild.

For the last five years, she has resided at Oak Park Village of Slidell where she tried to “make people laugh”. We thank the staff and caregivers for giving her a social outlet, kindness, TLC and a blessed last day.

Services will take place at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Lacombe, Louisiana on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Relatives, friends and caregivers are welcome to attend. Visitation begins at 8:00 A.M. The Eulogy will begin at 10:30 A.M. with mass to follow. There will be a short reception in the parish hall following mass. Internment will take place at 1:30 P.M. at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell, Louisiana.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family requests masses or donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or 1-800-395-1087