Lois Helen Schaefer Obituary

(nee Doran) After living a life full of family, service, and friendships, Lois died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Oct 6 at the age of 92. She was married to her beloved husband, Bill Schaefer, for 57 years; Bill passed away in 2017. Dear mother of Michael (Lori) Schaefer, Mona deGuzman, Patricia (Brian) Baker, Sarah (Christopher) Orth, and Justin (Katherine Haig) Schaefer. Loving grandmother to 17 grandchildren including Michael (Alexa), Kathleen, Joseph, and Jacquelyn Schaefer; Mathew, Joseph, Kirsten, Lissa, and Sophia deGuzman; Caroline, Annalee, Joshua, and Connor Kuse; Sarah (Dylan Cooper), Brittany, and Magann (Nick Raygo) Orth; and William Schaefer. Great grandmother to Carter, Hazel, Astra, and Austin. Lois is survived by her brother, Donald, and joins 7 of her siblings who predeceased her – Clayton, James, Geraldine, Barbara, Robert, and Richard. She had many relatives, in-laws, and friends who will miss her.

After marrying Bill in 1959, she focused on her family and was an active volunteer for many organizations. She was president of the Christ Child Society where she received the Red Shoe Award for her excellent, long-term service. She was on the board of the Friends of the Benedict Center and many other organizations which fed her love of service and friendships. She was an avid bridge player and reader. Lois was involved for many years in an academic book study club, fueling her passion for archaeology and anthropology.

Lois traveled the world with her husband, Bill, visiting 5 continents and innumerable countries with visits to Turkey and Tibet listed among her favorites. She especially loved visiting the warmth of Florida as well as spending time closer to home, reading on the deck of the beautiful Lake Mills cottage she and Bill owned for decades. Lois was an avid seamstress and knitter, creating beautiful dresses and blankets. Shewas an active part of the lives of all 17 of her grandchildren – attending shows, sporting events and music recitals.

Lois leaves a legacy of steadiness and compassion. Her family is grateful for the loving care provided by Harwood Place Assisted Living where she lived in her final years.

Visitation will be held at Christ King Church in Wauwatosa at 2604 W. Swan Blvd on Oct 11 at 9:30AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Children's Tumor Foundation or the Lupus Research Alliance.