Published in the September 15, 2017 edition

WAKEFIELD — Marietta Haeg Schwartz, a resident of Wakefield and a Minnesota farm girl at heart, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, September 6, at Winchester Hospital, at age 55.

With a quiet strength, Marietta was genuine, unassuming, and always true to herself.

Marietta was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, the oldest child and only daughter of six children. Raised on a small farm in Minnesota, Marietta graduated from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud in 1979, College of St. Benedict in 1983, and received her PhD from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1988.

In the fall of 1988, Marietta moved to Boston, and took a job at UMass Boston as an assistant professor in the Chemistry Department. She worked at UMass for almost 30 years, more recently serving as an associate dean in the College of Science and Math. Marietta also served as the director of the Student Services Center, and co-director of the UTeach Program.

Marietta, with a down to earth perspective, made a positive impact on her students through her love for chemistry.

Marietta was a capable, self-reliant and confident woman. She was a member of the American Chemical Society, and supported women in chemistry through the Women Chemists Committee. As a mother, Marietta volunteered within the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, guiding Graham and Ian as they both became Eagle Scouts.

She was actively engaged in the Wakefield community as a volunteer for the Farmer’s Market, 4th of July Parade, and was a longtime, passionate supporter of the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry. Marietta sang in the choir at St. Joseph’s Church in Wakefield for many years.

Compassionate with a deep sense of faith and social justice, Marietta cared about the future, and the well-being of others.

At home, she loved reading, watching the Red Sox, Patriots, and doing jigsaw puzzles. She loved iced coffee, going out for Indian food, or getting together with friends for a cup of tea and a chat.

Although she made friends everywhere she went, her roots and family in Collegeville always held a special place in her heart. She was famous for making dozens upon dozens of cookies for her family, friends or neighbors, and loved playing a family game of “schmear.” She will be missed, but always lovingly remembered and admired for her warmth, calm nature and inner strength.

Marietta was the devoted mother of Graham T. Schwartz of Atlanta, GA, and Ian M. Schwartz of Ft. Hood, TX. She was the beloved daughter of Eileen and Richard Haeg of Collegeville, MN. She was the dear sister of Gregory Haeg and his wife Megan of Collegeville, MN, Daniel Haeg of Collegeville, MN, Benedict Haeg and his wife Claire of Sauk Centre, MN, Christopher Haeg of Collegeville, MN, and Timothy Haeg and his wife Kelly of Collegeville, MN. She was the former wife of Eric Schwartz of Marblehead. She was the caring aunt of Cecilia, Carl, Vivian, Francis, Stephanie, Nicholas, Madeline, Hanna and Thomas.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Marietta’s Life at the Schwartz family home, 4 Bugli Ln., Wakefield on Sunday, September 10, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at St. John’s Abbey Church, 2900 Abbey Plaza, Collegeville, MN on Saturday, September 16, 10 a.m., with visitation an hour prior. She will be laid to rest at St. John the Baptist Parish Cemetery in Collegeville, MN.

Gifts in memory of Marietta may be made to the College of Saint Benedict, Attn: Haeg Scholarship for Women in STEM, 37 S. College Ave., St. Joseph, MN 56374, or to the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry, 467 Main St, Wakefield, MA 01880. For online tribute, condolences or directions, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com