Jean Borowsky

Jean Virginia Borowsky (December 13, 1943- March 24, 2022) of Northridge, California died at age 78 after complications of a sudden heart arrhythmia.  She is survived by  her children, Alexander “Sandy” Borowsky, Elizabeth “Liz” Borowsky, and Peter Borowsky, and their families including eight grandchildren, Alex, Nick, Katie, Henry, Sarah, Miles, Ethan, and Dylan, as well her partner, Gary Swinhart, and her brother Dr. William “Mack” Petty.  Jean was enjoying a thriving and active life at the time of her passing.  Her days were filled with family and friends, tending to her garden (especially her roses), constant learning in her lifelong quest to master piano and painting, and volunteer work. She revered her grandchildren and loved sharing in their special moments – traveling as needed to share in person.  She treasured the laughs, companionship and love she found every day in recent years with Gary. 

Jean was born in Texas in 1943 to Dr. William and Virginia Petty, and was raised in Santa Maria, California. She met and married Dr. Stephen A. Borowsky while in nursing school at LA County/USC where she earned an RN in 1966.  They moved often in the early years of their marriage, finally settling in Northridge in 1977 with their three young children. Jean and Steve shared 48 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and growth– balancing, challenging, and supporting each other through the years.  The family enjoyed wonderful times together, especially their summer trips camping and seeing nature throughout California and the west. Jean always had a special connection with the outdoors, forests, plants, and loved visiting botanical gardens throughout her life. Another constant theme in her life was learning.  She completed a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Masters in Public Administration at Cal State Northridge.  She served for many years as Director of School Nursing for the Simi Valley School District, enjoying the work and the service she did for the children of the district, even after Steve retired.  She was widowed in 2012, and retired in 2014.  Upon retirement, she sought out new challenges including learning to play bridge.  It was there she met Gary Swinhart, who was teaching the class, and after asking him out on a date, they went on to form a loving relationship that continued to grow until her passing. 

Jean was a friend and mentor to all, especially her daughters-in-law Sandy and Kris and her son-in-law Neal Lindeman. This extended to her nieces and nephews, to her team at Simi Schools, and, in some part, to all who knew her.  She was loving, a bit too trusting, somewhat strong willed, but always kind and generous.  She brought her natural warmth and  empathy to every interaction.  She will be long remembered and dearly missed by all.

Donations in her honor can be made to the American Liver Foundation www.liverfoundation.org, or the Huntington Gardens www.huntington.org/donate.