Jacqueline Swartz, nurse and philanthropist

Jacqueline Elizabeth Swartz, 91, of Bryn Mawr, a retired registered nurse known for her devotion to family and philanthropic causes, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, of congestive heart failure at home.

Mrs. Swartz was mentally fit to the end, although her physical health had declined in the last five years.

"Ten days ago, she got out to Costco to do her shopping," said her daughter, Barbara A. Sprague.

Known as "Jackie," Mrs. Swartz was the oldest of three siblings who grew up in New York. She and her sisters learned very early to value family above all else.

Once she married and started her own family, Mrs. Swartz inculcated the values of family and public service into her own brood.

"We were all very fortunate and blessed to have our mother with us for so long," said her son, Thomas A. Sprague. "She was always giving, to her family, her community, and many charitable causes. She truly made a positive lasting impact on so many of the lives she touched."

As a young woman, Mrs. Swartz graduated from nursing school at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and was employed as a nurse in its operating rooms.

She came to Philadelphia in the early 1950s and married Richard A. Sprague, an aspiring lawyer who had just returned from submarine service in World War II.

While rearing two children, Mrs. Swartz continued her nursing career at a private nursing agency in Philadelphia. She and her husband divorced in 1971.

In 1973, she married John Swartz, a prominent real estate lawyer. The two led a busy life - traveling, cooking, visiting with friends and family, and attending Eagles games.

One of her passions was giving back to the community through philanthropic and charitable activities.

A favorite cause was the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Delaware Valley Chapter. Another was Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where she established a lectureship in honor of her granddaughter Elizabeth Sprague, as well as the Jacqueline E. Swartz Endowed Fellowship in Pediatric Pulmonology in honor of granddaughters Elizabeth and Julia Sprague.

She also was passionate about supporting the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, Doctors Without Borders, the Museum of Jewish Heritage, and Boys Town Jerusalem, which provides education and training to young immigrants in Israel with limited means.

"Our mom was a true reflection of the Greatest Generation - selfless, elegant, independent, proud, hardworking and family-focused," said her daughter. "She was always helping others, and her compassion for the human condition fueled her professional and philanthropic causes.

"Her life was a living example of love, dedication and sustenance for our entire family. While we will miss her dearly, she will live forever in all our hearts," her daughter said.

Her husband died in 1999 at age 91.

Besides her son, daughter, and former husband, she is survived by eight grandchildren; a sister; and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, at Joseph Levine & Sons Memorial Chapel, 4737 Street Rd., Trevose. Interment is in Roosevelt Memorial Park.

Donations may be made to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation through www.chop.edu/giving/foundation, or the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia via www.jewishphilly.org.