Yvonne R. Schwab's Obituary
Yvonne R. Schwab, 69, born September 6, 1954 in northern Kentucky, passed away on October 15, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio with her friends and family near. Yvonne was the former principal at St. James the Less Catholic school, and previously worked there as a physical education teacher for many years. She taught thousands of children over the years, including her own. As principal, she was beloved by students, teachers, and parents alike. Due to her incredible and longtime outreach efforts, particularly within the Latino community, Yvonne helped to double the enrollment at St. James the Less and help students and families access high quality education they otherwise could not afford. This was possible due to her sincere commitment to hospitality, inclusion, and a genuine love for her students. She wanted all of her students to feel welcome in the school, to learn and prosper, and to succeed.
Because of her profound success, Yvonne then served as a mentor—even in retirement—for other principals and regularly gave lectures at Notre Dame about her work in engaging underserved communities, bilingual students, and students of poverty. She was nationally recognized for her work, and was deemed a “Champion of Change” by the White House.
Yvonne was a beloved wife, mother and grand-mother, and a dear friend to many. She leaves behind her husband of 45 years Paul, her daughters Dana and Jillian and son Adam, grandchildren Myra and Callen, and her faithful dachshund Pepper. Yvonne enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, camping, square dancing, and traveling throughout the country. A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 21, at St. James the Less Church, 1652 Oakland Park Ave, Columbus, OH 43224. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the following associations, dear to Yvonne’s heart.
University of Notre Dame-Latino Enrollment Institute
Attn: Katy Lichon
107 Carole Sandner Hall
Notre Dame, IN 46556
Checks made payable to: The University of Notre Dame
St. James the Less - St. Vincent DePaul Society Food Pantry
1652 Oakland Park Avenue
Columbus, OH 43224
Checks made payable to: St. James the Less
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