Elizabeth Edna May Schwartzman, age 99, passed away peacefully on the evening of March 30, 2026, just shy of her 100th birthday.

Born on June 8, 1926, in Newport, Wales, Elizabeth carried her beloved green valley with her throughout her life, returning as often as she could while holding her homeland close to her heart. She was raised in a lively family with seven sisters and two brothers, guided by a caring mother and a father known for his humor. Her teenage years unfolded during World War II, a time when her boisterous, fun loving family made the most of difficult circumstances. During the war, Elizabeth was known to dance for hours on end, quickly mastering new dances and songs, and developing a lifelong love of music.

In 1945, at the end of the war, Elizabeth met her future husband, then Captain Jack Schwartzman, on a blind date. They were engaged within two months and married in March of 1946. Later that year, she became one of the original “War Brides,” courageously sailing to the United States aboard the HMS Alexander. At a very young age, she left everything familiar behind to begin a new life as a military wife and mother—an act of bravery that defined her strength and resilience.

Elizabeth and Jack’s military life took them to many places, allowing them to form friendships around the world, before finally settling in Hampton, Virginia, where Elizabeth made her home for more than 60 years. Together, they shared a love of travel, taking their camper to the Outer Banks with family and friends, as well as enjoying flights and cruises to far reaching destinations.

Elizabeth was a gifted and endlessly creative woman. She was known for her needlework, knitting, sewing, and woodworking, often creating original purses, clothing, teddy bears, dolls, books, costumes, and frames for her many needlework and counted cross stitch samplers. There was nothing she couldn’t invent or create once she set her mind to it. Her talents were freely shared with her children, grandchildren, and friends, and her home was always open—often accompanied by a cup of tea—for her wide circle of family and friends.

An avid reader, Elizabeth could often be found with a book in every room, reading several at once. She especially loved escaping to her Winnebago to read uninterrupted from cover to cover. She was self-taught, lightning fast at crossword puzzles, and famously unbeatable at Final Jeopardy. Music filled her home, with records stacked on the player so songs could play all day; her children often learned the words to Oklahoma! before the alphabet.

Elizabeth was a devout Catholic and was rarely without her rosary. She cherished quiet moments of prayer, finding comfort and strength in her faith. She also held a deep passion for all things British, amassing a treasured collection of royal memorabilia and eagerly rising early to watch royal weddings, coronations, Trooping the Colour, and Remembrance Day events—often sharing the experience with a child or grandchild over tea and biscuits.

She was a lifelong member of the Daughters of the British Empire (DBE) and the Transatlantic Brides and Parents Association (TBPA), where she found camaraderie and decades long friendships with women who shared stories of home.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Fred Radford; her husband, Col. (Ret.) Jack Schwartzman; and her son, Col. (Ret.) Charles Schwartzman.

She is survived by her children: Janet Shepard (Jim), Richard Schwartzman (Alicia), Robert Schwartzman, Patrice Fiest (Rick), and Jon Schwartzman (Ivonne); and her brother, Anthony. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren—Geoffrey (Erin), Julia (Tom), Jamie, Michelle (Mike), Robert Jr., Ashley (Evan), Hannah (Spencer), Blake (Andrea), Wolfgang, Vladden, and Jack—as well as many cherished great grandchildren.

Elizabeth will be returning home to her beloved valley in Newport, Wales, for her final interment.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the care providers who gave Elizabeth such love and attention in her final days, with special appreciation to Marylou, Jen, and their remarkable team.

Arrangements are by Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, Hampton, Virginia.