Published in the July 14, 2017 edition
PEABODY — Ann Schwarz Janzen, 101, of Peabody, Massachusetts passed away on July 5, 2017.
Ann was known for her love of her late husband Arnold and family, compassion and caring for others, love of music, the outdoors, gardening, exercise and cooking. Her gracious smile will be missed by all.
Ann was born May 18, 1916 in New York, New York to Nicholas and Antonia Schwarz, who were Hungarian immigrants. She resided on Manhattan’s East Side and spoke German until entering the New York City public school system. At the age of eight, the family moved to the College Point section of Queens, where there were still farms and open space. While in elementary school, Ann was introduced to Girl Scouts, which became a lifelong passion. After completing eighth grade at P.S. 27, she attended the Manhattan Trade School for Girls to learn sewing so that she could help the family during the depression. She went on to become a seamstress and accomplished dressmaker at Bergdorf Goodman. During the summers, Ann worked as Girl Scout Camp counselor at Camp Andrea, New York and Camp Runnels, New Hampshire.
Desiring a different career, she trained to be a radiological technician at New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center. She then took a position at Yale New Haven Hospital, where she started a radiological technician program and, more importantly, met her husband to be and the great love of her life, Arnold Janzen.
Girl Scouting fostered her love of nature and outdoor activities. Hiking, skiing and swimming gave her, Arnold and her children a great outlet and healthy appetites, which she would quench with tasty and adventurous cooking. Ann and Arnold raised their children in Avon, Connecticut. While Ann stopped working professionally, she continued to give back through the Hartford Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, Girl Scouts and other organizations.
Seeking warmer climes, they moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where they enjoyed the beach and golf, and from where they indulged their passion for travel. They made a yearly fall drive to New England to see the autumnal colors, hike the White Mountains. and visit children and grandchildren. In 2009, Ann and Arnold moved to Peabody to be closer to family. Here, she continued to play her piano, go the fitness center and greet her neighbors with smile and a compliment.
Ann is survived by her son, Peter Janzen and his wife, Betsy, and Ann’s grandson’s, Lucas and Tyler. She is also survived by her daughter Donna Petrie and her husband Randy, and her granddaughter Elizabeth Fuqua and husband Joshua, and great-granddaughter Victoria; granddaughter Kim and great-granddaughter Sweeney. She is also survived by her grandson Nicholas and his wife Lisa; her great-granddaughter Annelise; and her grandsons Joseph and Seth. She is also survived by her son Daniel and his wife Beth, and grandson Danny and great-grandson Grayson. She is also survived by her grandsons Matthew and Sam, along with many extended family and friends. She was a mother to all.
Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral home, 79 West Foster St. Melrose, on Sunday July 23rd from 1-2 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. following the Visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts Campership Fund (https://www.gsema.org/). To leave an online message of condolence, please visit gatelyfh.com.
