JANICE MAY (COONEY) SCHWARTZMAN

Janice Schwartzman passed peacefully on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, surrounded by love and comfort.

Janice was born on February 18, 1938, in Wisconsin to Jerome and Edith Cooney. Her family later moved west to Potlatch, Idaho, where Janice attended school and built the foundations of a life rooted in family, faith, and service to others.

On May 14, 1955, Janice married the love of her life, James Schwartzman. Together they made their home in Potlatch, where they raised their family and created a warm, welcoming household filled with love, purpose, and generosity.

Janice devoted many years to being a homemaker, pouring her heart into raising her children. Her love for her family was deep and evident in all she did. She found great joy in gardening, canning, and baking, often spending countless hours tending her garden and preserving an abundance of food that she joyfully shared with family, friends, and neighbors. Her kitchen and garden were places of comfort, care, and community.

A talented and passionate seamstress, Janice sewed countless garments over the years for her children, nieces, family friends, and later, her beloved grandchildren. Each stitch reflected her patience, creativity, and love.

Janice also carried a lifelong interest in nursing. Friends and family often sought her out for guidance when they faced medical questions or ailments. It was only fitting that she eventually pursued formal training, attending nursing school and earning her LPN. With her kind and caring heart, Janice found her niche in geriatric nursing, where she compassionately cared for many residents during her career at Latah Health Services.

After retiring, Janice embraced life fully. She enjoyed traveling extensively, exploring destinations throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Panama, and even as far as Germany. She especially cherished golfing trips with her sister Judy and sister-in-law Penny; experiences filled with laughter and companionship.

Later in life, Janice moved to Rathdrum, Idaho, where she enjoyed a cozy apartment with her daughter and son-in-law. She delighted in spending time with her dogs, helping Michelle in the garden, and faithfully watching her favorite show, QVC.

Above all, Janice had a deep love for Jesus and lived her faith daily. She found a church home at Calvary Chapel, where she enjoyed attending services and fellowship. Janice was an eternal optimist, always choosing to focus on the good and lean into her faith, even during life’s challenges. Her unwavering positivity and trust in God shaped a life that was truly inspirational to all who knew her.

Janice will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her servant’s heart, and the love she freely gave. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched through her care, creativity, faith, and devotion to family.

Survivors

Janice is lovingly survived by her children:

· Daughter Desiree Richmond (Ron) of Sedona, Arizona

· Son James Schwartzman of St. Maries, Idaho

· Son Jerry Schwartzman (Darlene) of Palouse, Washington

· Daughter Michelle French (Darin) of Rathdrum, Idaho

· Tracy Schwartzman of Rathdrum

· Kathy Schwartzman of Las Vegas

She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Cheyenne Duncan (Jason), Tricia Johnson (Robby), Stephanie Anderson (Ben), Randy Schwartzman, Brandon French (Katherina), Melisa Voss, and Holly Schwartzman.

Janice leaves behind her treasured great-grandchildren: Connor, Frankie, Alchemie, Jaxson, Landon, Reisse, Jase, Kayla, Devon, Kassie, Derek, Joshua, Karson, Russell, Kaitlyn, and David, and one great-great-grandson, Jesse.

Preceded in Death

Janice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Schwartzman; her parents, Jerome and Edith Cooney; her brother, Jack Cooney; her grandson, James Floyd Schwartzman III; and her granddaughter, Misty Almutawa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable contributions in memory of Janice Schwartzman be made to the Schneidmiller Hospice House, 2290 West Prairie Avenue Coeur d’Alene ID 83815 or charity of choice.

A celebration of life is planned at 11 a.m. Friday, May 1st, at the Church of the Nazarene, 1008 Gold Hill Road, in Princeton.

Kramer Funeral Home of Palouse is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at kramercares.com.

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