Josephine Bouton Schwartz
Josephine Bouton, affectionately known as Josee, Josie, La Jo, Aunt Jo and meme, was born in Saint Julien du Gua, Ardeche, France on February 10, 1939.
After having endured the German Occupation, along with her parents and five siblings, the Bouton family helped rebuild France alongside the Americans. After finishing her education at Cambridge University in Liberal Arts in 1959, Josephine began her career as an educator at Chaumont Air Force Base. There, while teaching French to the American servicemen, Josee met the love of her life, Stanley C. Schwartz, and they married soon thereafter in Montredon Labessonnie, France.
After completing military service, and with one child in tow, Josee and Stan moved to Texas where they settled in Beaumont in 1964.
Josephine, bringing her Huguenot heritage across the ocean, readily embraced the culture of her new life while always maintaining her French flair and “ joie de vivre” of her native land.
After the birth of her second child, Josephine became involved in the community with the International Club, the PTA and Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian church. She continued her work in French education in both the private and public sectors at All Saints Episcopal School, Westbrook and Lamar University. She was an integral part of establishing Applied Standards Inspection, Inc. in 1981.
After losing her beloved husband in 1991, Josephine continued her life with a beautiful spirit of service with her church, friends, and devotion to her grandchildren whom she thought hung the moon.
Josephine Schwartz was a graceful soul who lived a life of intense love for her Savior and touched all lives she met with her indomitable spirit.
Left to cherish her memory are her siblings, Francoise Ducros, Elisabeth Lanta, Philippe Bouton (Denise), Joel Bouton (Lisette), and Magali Barriol (Jean-Marc), all of France; In-laws, Barbara Sauer (Bill), and Margie Starcke (Edgar); nieces and nephews held dear; children, Emmanuel and Darla Schwartz of Groves, Texas, and Stephanie Parma of Magnolia, Texas; grandchildren, Jacob Schwartz, Emilie Parma, Benji Parma, Olivia Parma, and Jonathan Parma.
Preceded in death by her parents, Pastor Ernest and Berthe Bouton, and her husband, Stanley C. Schwartz.
“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church: 1350 North 23rd Street, Beaumont, Texas 77706
A funeral service for Mrs. Schwartz will be held 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, with a gathering to immediately follow in the fellowship hall, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Her interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Coronavirus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov
https://tinyurl.com/kdd3vp4c This is the link to St. Andrew’s YouTube channel to watch from there.
https://saintandy.org/events-media/watch This is the link to watch the service from St. Andrew’s website.
Video
Funeral Service
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
- 1350, N 23rd St, Beaumont, TX, 77706,
- August 25, 2021
- 1:00 pm
Gathering to immediately follow in Fellowship Hall
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
- 1350, N 23rd St, Beaumont, TX, 77706,
- August 25, 2021
- 2:00 pm
Interment
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
- August 25, 2021
I loved Josee, I pray for her and your family.
JP
Josee wa a lovely lady and always so uplifting.
I enjoyed knowing her at All Saints school where we both had children in the same grade. Long after that when I would see her at various functions she would always give me a big hug . My love and prayers to Stephanie and Emmanuel and her precious grandchildren.
It was a pleasure knowing Josee and working with her at St. Andrews funerals. She was always so loving. I especially enjoyed being with her at Thanksgiving and her calls after I moved to Florida. I was hoping to visit with her when I came to Beaumont. She will sure be missed.
A very gracious lady. When St. Andrew’s Bell Choir played in the early service, Josie was always there in her beautiful robe lighting the candles prior to worship. I loved her lovely accent. She made all newcomers feel welcome. Her crown will be bright and shining!
Stephanie and Emmanuel,
We are so saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. Your Mom was an amazing person and had a remarkable life. We feel so lucky that we got to know your mother with our shared experiences from All Saints, Symphony concerts and seeing her devotion of serving at St. Andrews church functions. While we are not currently attending any in-person events, our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. Sending our love & sympathy,
from the Woodland Family – Rebecca, Mary and Philip
As newcomers to Beaumont and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Stan, Josee, Emmanuel & Stephanie were our first visitors from the church. This was a delightful evening with the children playing and all of us enjoying fellowship and popcorn. Josee commented that when the “care packages” from the US arrived after the war, they did not know what to do with JELLO. She, along with her father, were participants in the French Underground helping Allied pilots escape the German army. We owe a great debt to such as these.
The Everett and Allen families are heartbroken at the loss of our dear Mrs. Schwartz. She was truly one of the finest women our families have ever known. To be loved by her is priceless. Her faith and strength were evident in everything she did. Her passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts and our church family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Emily, Chris, Aaron & Andrew Allen & Ron & Maggie Everett
Josie was a very sweet and gracious lady always had a smile and a kind word. Hugs and prayers to the family.
My deepest condolences to Stephanie, Emmanuel and your families. Your mom, Madame Schwartz, our French teacher at All Saints, left a lasting impression on me. She embodied true class, grace, French flair and fashion, along with sharing an appreciation of drinking Perrier & eating well, and inspiring in us the love of learning languages. She gave many young southeast Texas children their first glimpse of Europe and the larger world, and I will always be grateful for having her as part of my childhood and for the influence she had on me. Rest in peace, Mrs. Schwartz.
Josee was committed to her work at Saint Andrews, she was an interesting, funny, lovable lady. Worship this morning with missing her smile and her welcome.
Stèphanie princesse, my heart goes out to you in the loss of your precious Maman. She was a gracious lady and so welcoming to me on my visit to Beaumont. Praying for your comfort and peace as you begin this journey. Bisous – Zabette
Josephine was the sweetest, loving, beautiful, gracious and caring women I have ever known. Her sweet smile always brightened any room. If I could only have one more of her hugs !!
Josie was an incredible and talented lady. She will be missed by those of us who were lucky to be able to call her friend. Jim and I offer our deepest sympathy to her family. We share your grief at her passing.
I am so sad to hear of Josephine’s passing. I’ve only known her for a few months, but I really enjoyed her! As I did her hair, we got to visit, she was a very interesting person. Prayers for her family!
A beautiful soul, I will miss my friend! Rest in peace Josie!
We are shocked and saddened at this news!I We loved Josee. I even complimented her last Sunday at church on how elegantly French she looked. We will miss her so much.
A wonderful neighbor back in the 70’s and 80’ when we all lived in Calder Place. Always a gracious lady!