Jerilyn Misher Schwartz's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Cookie Schwartz, a woman whose life was a testament to resilience, humor, and boundless love. Born on September 15, 1945, in the middle of a hurricane on Yom Kippur, Cookie’s arrival into the world was as unforgettable as the legacy she leaves behind.
Cookie was born in the Bronx, spent her early years in Queens, and later moved with her family to Bellerose, Long Island. Her childhood was filled with warmth and joy, marked by simple, heartfelt moments—like her mother surprising her with a fully redecorated bedroom while she was away at camp, making her feel like a princess.
Her parents, Teresa and Julius Simon, embodied generosity and grit, shaping Cookie’s values. Julius, ever the gentleman, pioneered the concept of one-hour optical services, while Teresa, a highly educated woman, was Cookie’s confidante and best friend.
Cookie met her husband, Kenny, when she was just 17. Their love story began with high school dates and prom, blossoming into a marriage that brought two wonderful children, Ross and Jodi, into the world. While raising the kids Cookie started Beautiful Things, a successful gift store known throughout New City while Kenny built an optical company called Kenco Optics - named after Ken and Cookie. In 1984, tragedy struck when Kenny was murdered at the age of 39. Despite the unimaginable loss, Cookie took the reins of his business while raising her children, ensuring that their lives remained filled with love, stability, and the values their father had instilled in them.
Cookie remarried in 1993 to Eli Schwartz and they lived together in Boca Raton for 32 years. They traveled the world, enjoyed family and friends and Cookie’s strength and determination saw her children flourish. Ross became an entrepreneur, founding licensing agency Brand Central, while Jodi became a therapist and author. Cookie’s pride in her children and the families they built was boundless, and her greatest joy was being a grandmother.
Cookie, your memory will forever be a blessing. Thank you for the love, the laughter, and the lessons you gave us. We miss you deeply and will carry your spirit in our hearts always.
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