Jacqueline Schweitzer kept sunny outlook

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Jacqueline Schweitzer died peacefully at home in Riverdale on July 15 after a long illness. She was 85.

Her childhood and youth were troubled and difficult: poverty, a terribly cruel father, lifelong sadness from age 16 due to the death of her mother and her 60-year struggle with diabetes that began at age 25. More than enough to make one bitter, cynical, withdrawn or pessimistic — but Ms. Schweitzer was none of these. 

Rather, she was known for a sunny disposition and being friendly, outgoing, exceptionally sociable and communicative, buoyant and always ready with an engaging smile, a dash of wit and humor. Ms. Schweitzer beat all the odds and led a truly valiant life thanks to her capacity to rise above adversity. 

A new chapter in her life began when she met her second husband, Professor Frederick M. Schweitzer, at Manhattan College, where she was a secretary. They married in 1991. She became his assistant and partner in preparing his research and publications on Jewish history, the Holocaust, the rebirth of Israel and anti-Semitism. 

She loved to travel and they journeyed widely to participate in scholarly conferences, but also to visit relatives and historic sites and enjoy art, music and theatre — all over the United States and Canada and Europe. 

Ms. Schweitzer had a fine singing voice and one time aspired to a musical career, but as she wistfully recalled, there was no money for singing lessons. In retirement, the couple compensated for their deprivation as “Depression Babies,” joining theatre clubs and the opera guild and devoting many an evening to drama, musicals, dance, opera and so on. 

Some of their happiest moments were dressing up to the nines, driving down to the Lincoln Center and dining sumptuously in the Grand Tier at the Met, followed by choice seats for the opera, ballet or the revival of South Pacific. Music was the one thing Ms. Schweitzer was able to enjoy almost to the end of her life. 

She is survived by her loving husband, Frederick, daughter, Elyse Jenkins, and stepson Manfred.

Rabbi Stephen Franklin conducted the funeral service on Monday at the Riverdale Temple, followed by graveside prayers and burial in King David Memorial Gardens in Putnam Valley. Funeral Arrangements were under the direction of Louis Hirsch & Sons Funeral Directors, 14 Lecount Pl., New Rochelle, New York. 

Donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Jacqueline Schweitzer