Suellyn H. Schwartz

Suellyn H. Schwartz, 79, of Pekin, IL passed away at 2:15 AM Tuesday, February 10, 2026 peacefully at her home.

Suellyn was born on October 14, 1946 in Peoria to Lester and Lillian (Bart) Haughey. She married Robert R. Schwartz, II on October 14, 1967 in Pekin.

She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother.

Suellyn is survived by her daughters, Marcia Schwartz of Pekin and Leslie (Stephen) Huikko of West Warwick, Rhode Island; and two grandchildren, Cole and Rylie Huikko, both of West Warwick, Rhode Island.

Suellyn graduated from Peoria’s Manual High School in 1964 and continued her education at Midstate College.

After serving as a bookkeeper at Schwartz Engineering, Inc. for several years, she shifted to a career dedicated to children. One of Suellyn’s greatest gifts was her ability to connect with students who thrived with extra attention and support. She loved her work as a teacher’s aide for Peoria District 150 and Pekin District 108. She later worked as a resource aide at Tazewell County Resource Center in Pekin and at Horizons Daycare, both of which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Suellyn was well-known for saying her favorite role was that of mother, and she valued spending time with her family above all else. She enjoyed decorating themed birthday cakes and planting flowers with her daughters on Mothers’ Day. She served tirelessly as a Brownie troop leader and school room mother, fund-raiser, and office volunteer- often returning home with fingers stained purple from printing worksheets on the ditto machine. She especially enjoyed working on puzzles with her grandchildren.

As an avid reader throughout her life, Suellyn often connected with others through books. Reading to children was one of her favorite activities. In her later years, having those books read to her was a source of comfort.

She was a long-time member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Pekin.

Suellyn will be remembered for her sense of humor and resilience.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory. Visitation will take place from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Memorials may be made to the Groveland Community Library in memory of Suellyn.

Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting Suellyn’s family with arrangements.