JOAN SCHWARTZ

 

Joan Kaufman Schwartz of Lexington, Ky., and formerly of Champaign, peacefully passed away Sunday (Dec. 15, 2013) at Homestead Nursing Home in Lexington, Ky.

 

She was born May 19, 1927, in Champaign, the daughter of Stanley and Josephine Kaufman. Surviving are a son, Chuck (Connie) Schwartz of Champaign, and a daughter, Linda (Richard Groot) Schwartz of Lexington, Ky.

 

Joan was renowned for her American Saddlebreds. In the 1970s, Joan owned and operated Stonegate Stables on West Springfield Avenue in Champaign. In 1976, Joan moved to Lexington, Ky., where she continued to raise saddle horses under the banner of Greencroft Farm (a name linked directly to the street in Champaign where she lived and raised her children before moving to Lexington).

 

Joan's American Saddlebred horses included the World’s Champion Forest Song and Rhythm's Ragtime, a stud that was the sire to many champions. Joan's family owned Kaufman's Department Store in downtown Champaign from 1879-1968. Her family also donated Kaufman Lake and Kaufman Park to the Champaign Park District.

 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Woodford County Humane Society, 265 Thomas Lane, Versailles, KY 40383 or the humane society of your choice.