Obituary: Carolyn J. Schwass
Industry educator and innovator
Carolyn J. Schwass of Jemison, AL, passed
away December 9 at Shelby Baptist Medical Center. She was born
in Ludington, MI, in 1938 and graduated from Ludington High
School in 1956. She attended the University of Michigan and
graduated from the National Institute of Dry Cleaning (the
forerunner of the International Fabricare Institute) in 1964.
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She became a respected and internationally
recognized public speaker, publicist, and pioneer in the
industry. With more than 44 years of experience, her knowledge
included daily plant operations and management which she used
to blaze a path for industry training as well in consulting for
independent cleaners internationally. Her down-to-earth
approach was one of her strengths as a trainer.
She helped develop the Michigan Institute
of Laundering and Drycleaning’s Management Education
Series and was the recipient of MILD’s 2002 Mike
O’Neil Award for outstanding service and dedication to
the industry.
Outside of drycleaning, she enjoyed horses
and, in 1996, was Amateur World Grand Champion at the Racking
Horse Celebration, and served as a judge for the Racking Horse
Association until 2003.
She is survived by her son, Howard; two
grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a sister; and several
nieces and nephews, in addition to her many close friends.
Contributions in her memory can be made to
MILD’s Mike O’Neil Scholarship Fund in care of
MILD, 3225 W. St. Joseph, Lansing, MI 48917.
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