Margaret "Peg" Schwartz

Margaret “Peg” M. Schwartz, 97, Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026. Peg was born May 13, 1928, in Perry, Oklahoma, the daughter of Howard and Goldie Edna Ihrig Allen. Her father passed away early in her life, forcing her mother to be the provider for Peg and her older brother. Moving around Kansas while Peg was in her younger years, they finally settled in St. Joseph, Missouri, where she graduated high school at the Convent of the Sacred Heart. Peg completed her nurses training in Kansas City, Missouri, where she specialized in Obstetrics. She then worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital as a Supervisor in the OB Department. It was at St. Joseph’s Hospital that she met her future husband, Eugene “Gene” W. Schwartz, as he was working there during his medical internship. Peg married Gene on April 11, 1950, in Kansas City, Missouri, and they were married for 70 years at the time of his death. After Gene completed his medical training, they settled in Dodge City, Kansas, where they set up his Ophthalmology practice and they raised their seven children. While raising her family, Peg also spent time volunteering and helping the less fortunate, attending Catholic Diocese functions, medical auxiliary and children’s sports and activities. After her children left the nest, Peg began teaching nursing at Dodge City Community College where she taught for several years. In her middle-age years, Peg chose to attend the University of Kansas via Correspondence and completed her Master’s Degree in Nursing. Peg and Gene were adventurous people and maintained an incredible pace of life. They traveled to many countries, with Germany being one of their favorites. On these trips they met many couples and made some lifelong friendships. Summers were spent in Colorado with family and friends and Peg spent many hours with a fishing pole in hand! Peg enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes, reading, golfing, fishing, hiking, and camping. She was always game to try a new trail. Peg was an avid Kansas Jayhawks fan and never missed a game, whether in person or on TV. In her last six years, Peg resided at Aldersgate Village, where she developed great bonds with some of the staff members and caregivers. The family is very appreciative of all the love and care she received there. Peg had a special kind of humor and loved human interaction. Her faith in God gave her grace and kept her balanced, always caring for others before herself. She will be deeply missed. Peg is survived by her children, John Schwartz (Lisa) of Denver, Colorado, Mark Schwartz (Terry) of Topeka, Steve Schwartz of Springdale, Washington, Margaret Lacy (Rich) of Garden City, Kansas, Marilyn Eklund (Dan) of Colville, Washington, Paul Schwartz (Barbara) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Jim Schwartz (Debbie) of Topeka; 12 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. Peg was preceded in death by her husband Gene in 2020, her parents, her brother, Howard Lee, and a grandson, Evan Schwartz. Cremation has taken place and by Peg’s wishes a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date, hopefully when her favorite flowers, daisies, are blooming. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Schwartz Family Scholarship Fund at Hayden Catholic High School or to the Aldersgate Capital Campaign and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Margaret "Peg" Schwartz

May 13, 1928 - January 30, 2026