NEWTON, N.C. — It is with a heavy heart we announce Emily J. Swartz, 92, of Newton, passed away at the Catawba Valley Medical Center, Hickory, on Monday (Jan. 5, 2026).

Born in Portville, N.Y., on April 23, 1933, she was the daughter of the late William and Hilda Scott. On April 11, 1953, she married the late Maurice L. Swartz in Olean, N.Y.

She was a phone operator for Bell Telephone in Olean, worked as a secretary for Dr. Paul Griffith in Clarion, Pa. and volunteered for the Red Cross and the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarion, Pa.

She is survived by her four daughters, Linda S. Lambert of Statesville, Debra J. Bryner of Sunrise, Fla., Laurie A. Connor (Daniel Connor) of Broomall, Pa. and Kathleen M. Wharton (Robert Wharton) of Maple Grove, Minn.; five grandchildren, Melissa (Patrick Nelson) Lambert, Ryan (Jane Lambert) Lambert, Devin Bryner, Emily and William Wharton; and one great-grandchild, Brielle Nelson. She is also survived by her sister, Wilda M. Miller of Wellsville, N.Y.

She is preceded in death by her sister, Jo Ann W. Santos.

A private service for close family and friends will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net.

The Swartz family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton, (828) 464-1555.