Obituary of Joan M. Schwartz

Wayland – Joan M Schwartz, 87 years of age, passed away Thursday morning, June 12, 2025 at the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Mt. Morris. Joan was born April 18, 1938 in Cohocton, the daughter of Arthur and Mildred (Strobel) Mehlenbacher. She graduated from Cohocton Central School and the Hornell Business School. Joan worked for and retired from SUNY Geneseo after many years. She also kept the books for their business, Southern Tier Steel and Fabrication in Wayland for many years. Joan grew up and resided in Cohocton; lived in Rochester for a short time, and then moved to Wayland where her and her husband Joe built a home. Joan and Joe Schwartz were married for 64 years! She loved her animals especially her many dogs throughout the years and her horse, Colonel. Joan was pre-deceased by her parents, Arthur and Mildred Mehlenbacher; her siblings and their spouses, Richard and Kathryn Mehlenbacher, Donald and Claire Mehlenbacher, John and Betty Mehlenbacher, Walter and Peggy Mehlenbacher, Bill Mehlenbacher, Harold Mehlenbacher, Clair Mehlenbacher and infant Gwendolyn Mehlenbacher; additional in laws, Marian Mehlenbacher, Ivan Pelham and Roderic Lindsey. She is survived by her husband Joseph Schwartz of Wayland; her son Alan Schwartz (Michele Harris) of Campbell; her brother, Jim Mehlenbacher of Hornell, Mary Lindsey of Cohocton, and Dorothy Mehlenbacher of TN; along with many, many nieces and nephews. Joan’s family will honor her wishes and celebrate her life at a later date.