Remembering Elizabeth Schwebel: A Life Full of Love and Service

Elizabeth (Beth) Schwebel, born Betsy Anne Ironside on July 4, 1937, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, community service, and deep familial love. Throughout her life, Beth demonstrated an adventurous spirit, a commitment to family, and a strong belief in social justice.

Growing up in Minneapolis, Beth was encouraged by her parents, Elsworth and Marie Ironside, to follow her heart. This independence led her on extensive travels across Europe with friends before she decided to relocate to Los Angeles. In Los Angeles, she worked in a dental office where she met her future husband, Sheldon Schwebel. The couple later moved to San Francisco and eventually settled in Corte Madera, where they married in 1962. Beth often recounted the moment she first saw Mt. Tamalpais, feeling a profound sense of home as the fog lifted on their drive.

A Devotion to Family and Community

Beth cherished her role as a mother to her two sons, Keith and Brent Schwebel. She left her job at Sheldon’s dental practice, a position she found fulfilling, to dedicate herself to raising her family. Her commitment to service extended beyond her home, as she actively contributed to her community. She taught dental health in Marin schools through the Dental Auxiliary College and played a significant role in expanding a local meal delivery program for seniors, increasing the number of meals served daily from just a few to over 250.

Her friendships were characterized by warmth and humor, and Beth was an integral member of the Community Congregational Church of Tiburon. Spiritually, she identified as a “seeker,” moving beyond her childhood Catholic roots to embrace congregations that aligned with her values of compassion and inclusion.

A Passion for Nature and Equality

Beth’s love for nature motivated her to advocate for environmental protection and action against climate change. She firmly believed in the principle that all individuals deserve equal opportunities, regardless of religion, race, or gender. Her acceptance and love for others were unconditional, exemplified when her granddaughter came out as gay, an announcement Beth embraced wholeheartedly.

Throughout her life, Beth’s joyful spirit was evident in the way she connected with others. Whether through her signature hugs, lively games of cribbage, or well-timed jokes, she had a remarkable ability to brighten even the darkest days. She passed away full of love and without regrets, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by her family and friends.

Beth is survived by her husband, Sheldon; her sons, Keith and Brent; her grandchildren, Charlotte, Georgia, Jack, and Cole Schwebel; along with numerous friends whose lives she touched. To honor her life, a Celebration of Life will be held on November 15, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Community Congregational Church of Tiburon.