Today we’d like to introduce you to Janie Schwartz-Shaw.
Hi Janie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Angleton Cemetery was created in 1904 and has served multiple generations of families. The founder of Angleton is buried here along with his family. You will see many names on monuments within the cemetery that are also street names all over Angleton by those who helped develop the city along the way.
We have over 1,200 veterans buried here and every year we honor them as part of Wreaths Across America by laying a live balsam wreath on their grave. We started participating in that program in 2001 and have continued this tradition every year since. We have veterans all the way back to the Civil War, a Spanish-American War veteran, and British Army veteran who was Sir Winston Churchill’s chauffer.
Angleton Cemetery is run by the nonprofit Angleton Cemetery Association which is a 501(c)(13). It is registered as a perpetual care cemetery and we take care of the grounds and the roads within the cemetery. I have been on the board of directors since May 2022 and currently serving as treasurer. I am also the Cemetery Manager having been in that role since May 2025.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I also have my volunteer hands in many other pies. I am on two committees for Angleton ISD and three committees for City of Angleton (chairman of one), I serve on multiple ministries for Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church including Parish Council, volunteer for Angleton Silver Hearts Senior Program, and at the Angleton Animal Control Services shelter. I have been fostering dogs and cats for local rescues since 2015 including Gulf Coast Stars Animal Rescue, Pugs and Hugs Rescue, Sonnet 116 Rescue, and SPCA of Brazoria County. I have fostered, transported, and adopted out over 200 dogs and 25 cats in the last 10 years. Many I have “foster failed” resulting in owning 6 dogs and 3 cats of my own. I also pet sit for many friends and neighbors all over.
I lost my 22 year son and only child in October 2020. This is how I became so involved with the ACA and was asked to join their board of directors.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My entire career has been in banking. I originally worked for Continental Savings Association (10 years), ADP-BISYS-OSI (26 years), and TDECU (13 years). I have enjoyed working for each of these companies and learned as much as I gave! I’m an extremely loyal and reliable person and my work is always the very best I can do. I’m also a team player and always willing to help out others whether it’s just a question or in a pinch at the last minute to meet a deadline. My career has allowed me to travel all over the United States to train clients which also lead to new friends. The most recent streamline into the cemetery business is two-fold; my position on the board as well as my banking experience. Because ACA is a perpetual care cemetery, we are regulated and examined by the Texas Department of Banking. Every plot we sell is required to send 15% of the price to the TXDoB who deposits the funds into an annuity in our name. ACA then received quarterly dividend payments from that annuity to help with our operating expenses.
What are your plans for the future?
Actually, my plan is to retire next year in 2026. I have already retired from TDECU (twice actually) and am currently training my assistant to move into the Cemetery Manager position when the board thinks she is ready. I will stay on the board (pending re-elections) and will continue to direct the Wreaths Across American program on behalf of ACA.
Pricing:
- Burial Plots from $2000-3750
- Columbarium Niches $2500-2800
- DH Cremation Garden $4975-5850
- DH Cremation Garden Walkway $1000-1600
- Memorial Bench $5000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://angletoncemetery.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085604434722
Image Credits
All photos are mine and none were taken by professionals
