News Summary
Shirley Schwartz, a key figure in establishing Montessori education in New Orleans, passed away at 96. Her dedication to early childhood education and community service created a lasting impact. Schwartz co-founded Children’s House and HOPE Montessori, greatly influencing Montessori teacher training and education in the region. She is remembered fondly by her family and the many lives she touched throughout her decades-long career in education.
New Orleans – Shirley Schwartz, a pioneering figure in Montessori education in New Orleans, passed away on August 20, 2025, at the age of 96. She is remembered for her significant contributions to early childhood education and her devotion to her family and community. Schwartz, who often humorously referred to her age as “96 and a half,” is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Ann Griffith and son August Gerard Schwartz. She was predeceased by her husband, Eugene August Schwartz, and her eldest daughter, Mary Louise Schwartz.
Schwartz’s passing is felt deeply not only by her family but also by the many lives she touched through her work and advocacy in Montessori education. She dedicated over three decades to teaching and mentoring Montessori teachers and played a crucial role in establishing a network for Montessori education in the Greater New Orleans area.
Born on January 9, 1929, Schwartz spent her early life in New Orleans, where she was rooted in a family that valued education and the arts. She was the only girl in her extended family, raised alongside her brother Bob and with cousins Urban and Donald Pfefferle. Schwartz was proud of her heritage, descending from renowned early artists Antonio Mondelli and Leon Daniel Pomarede, the latter of whom created a notable fresco in St. Patrick’s Church. This rich familial legacy would influence her lifelong passion for learning and education.
Schwartz graduated from Dominican High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, graduating Cum Laude from Loyola University in 1949. Her commitment to her faith was central to her life; she was a devout Catholic and attended St. Andrew the Apostle church before later joining Holy Spirit church in Algiers. Schwartz contributed to her faith community by serving as a retreat captain at the Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat Center for many years.
In 1963, Schwartz co-founded Children’s House, New Orleans’ first Montessori school, motivated by a desire to provide innovative educational experiences for young children. Alongside fellow local mothers, including Delores Cunningham and Jane Lambert, she worked tirelessly to lay the foundation for future Montessori education in the city. After becoming a certified Montessori directress, she went on to establish her own school, HOPE Montessori (House Of Preprimary Education), further expanding the reach of Montessori principles in education. Schwartz was instrumental in educating and certifying Montessori teachers and played a pivotal role in the formation of The Greater New Orleans Montessori Society.
Her passion for education was matched only by her interests outside the classroom. Schwartz actively studied French and participated in the People Program, which offered language classes to seniors, while also teaching French. Throughout her life, she enjoyed the companionship of various pets, expressing a particular fondness for her last dog, Cheri, who passed away two years before her own death. Schwartz had a love for seafood, especially fried soft-shell crabs, and frequently enjoyed meals at local restaurants in New Orleans.
In addition to her many contributions, Schwartz was also an avid gardener, cultivating antique roses, and she was an enthusiastic reader, particularly of mystery novels. Her vibrant spirit and commitment to family inspired those around her. The family extends their gratitude to caregivers Deb Pamplin and her son Justin, as well as Janice Thomas, who served as a close companion and caregiver for nearly a decade.
A mass celebrating Shirley Schwartz’s life is scheduled for October 11 at 10 AM at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home in New Orleans. Visitation will begin at 9 AM, following which her ashes will be interred in a mausoleum at Lake Lawn alongside her daughter Mary Louise and husband Eugene. In lieu of flowers, Schwartz’s family requests that memorial contributions be made to local SPCA organizations or that individuals consider adopting pets, reflecting her lifelong love for animals.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Shirley Schwartz Obituary
- Wikipedia: Montessori Education
- PNJ: New Coffee Shop Development
- Google Search: Montessori Education News
- My New Orleans: Montessori Schools
- Google Scholar: Montessori Education
- Orleans Hub: Montessori School Opens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Montessori Education
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- Google News: New Orleans School License Revoked
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