Memorial services for Helen I. Schwartz, 80, of Albert Lea will be at noon Thursday at First Lutheran Church. The Rev. John Holt will officiate. Burial will be private. Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the services at the church. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Helen died Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, at St. John’s Lutheran Community surrounded by her family.

Helen Irene Schwartz was born March 30, 1938, in Cambridge, Wisconsin, the daughter of Henry and Anna (Olia) Simdon. She attended and graduated from Cambridge High School in 1956. Helen furthered her education at St. Olaf College, graduating in 1960 with a degree in music.

On Dec. 30, 1961, Helen was united in marriage to Thomas Schwartz in Cambridge; the couple would have celebrated 57 years together. Helen taught music before she became a stay-at-home mom to raise her children. She had a great love of music; she played in the St. Olaf College orchestra and was a member of Albert Lea Community Band, where she played the French horn and trumpet. Helen shared her talents of music in various churches in Albert Lea and sang in the church choir at First Lutheran Church.

She had a great interest in genealogy and learned to speak and write Norwegian in order to complete her research. Helen also enjoyed sewing of many different styles, scrapbooking, doing projects, traveling and taking care of her family.

Helen is survived by her husband, Thomas Schwartz; children Anita Schwartz, Mike (Paula) Schwartz, Joel (Karen) Schwartz, Charles (Shawnessy) Schwartz and Daniel (Anna) Schwartz; seven grandchildren, Matthew, Mia, Jack, Sam, Nick, John and Emma Schwartz; sisters Marjorie (Elmer) Redford and Caroline Burow; and brother, Richard (Donna) Simdon.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Claire Simdon; and brother-in-law, Lynn Burow.