Emmadean Lynn Schwartz – Blissfield

Emmadean “Emma” Lynn Schwartz wasn’t one for following rules—unless she was helping bend them for someone else’s sake. She didn’t just walk into a room, she burst into it—usually with paint on her clothes, a half-baked art project in hand, and enough emotional energy to power a small city.

She passed away on April 8, 2025, at the age of 49—far too soon for those of us left behind, but knowing her, she is getting into trouble, making art and helping others up in heaven.

Emma was the kind of mom who showed up when no one else did. The kind who’d give you pieces of herself if you needed it more —figuratively and literally, as it turns out. Even in death, she made the selfless choice to be an organ donor, proving (again) that her love didn’t have an off-switch.

She spent years embedded in the lives of kids who weren’t her own, because she never saw the world that way. If you were near her, you were hers. Whether she was tying knots at a Girl Scout meeting, painting murals, or handing out unsolicited life advice with a paintbrush in hand, she gave everything she had—loudly, proudly, and without regret.

Emma was color in a grayscale world. She felt too much, cared too hard, and refused to apologize for it. She was fire and tenderness, chaos and comfort, stubbornness and grace—all crammed into one extraordinary woman who didn’t need permission to live out loud.

She’s survived by her husband, Dan, her four children, Anddora (Nick), Audrey, Seth, and Daniel Jr. (Breana), and her grandbabies, Logan and Ariana. She’s also survived by one remaining brother, Renee—who’ll tell you himself that she’s the fiercest little sister on the planet.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alice and Paul Martinez, and two older brothers, Anthony and Chico Martinez.

There will never be another Emma. And maybe that’s a mercy for the faint of heart. But for those of us who were lucky enough to know her, really know her, we’ll spend the rest of our lives hearing her voice in our heads, urging us to love harder, laugh louder, and stop waiting for a reason to show up.

Because that’s what she did.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, April 17th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel, in Blissfield. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 18th at 11:00 a.m. at Blissfield High School in the gymnasium with Pastor Keith Harris officiating. Guests are encouraged to dress colorfully for the funeral. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com