December 17, 1929 – August 4, 2021
Babe passed away on August 4, 2021 at 91 years old. She was predeceased by her husband Richard, her eldest daughter, Mary Sue, and great grandson, Jackson.
Babe is survived by her children Sally Radell (Ted Ruedin), Robert Schaefer (Colleen), Jack Schaefer (Robyn), Anne Meath (Michael), and Jeannie Caia (Mauro). Grandchildren Amanda Wlosinski (Steve), Kathryn Paul (Cameron), Lindsay Eksten (Mark), Bobby Schaefer, Austin Schaefer, Ian Schaefer, Dana Meath, Kathleen Meath, Erin Meath, Richard Caia, and Josephina Caia. Great grandchildren Patrick Eksten, Hunter & Kayden Wlosinski, and Alexander and Tyler Paul.
Mom made it her life’s work to create a loving and welcoming home for all who entered it. She took pride in setting a lovely table, preparing a beautiful meal, and making sure everyone had a drink in their hand. She loved bringing people together.
She encouraged us to take time to notice life’s simple beauty: the sound of the birds, the smell of the rain, the change of the seasons. Always encouraging us to slow down and pay attention to our blessings. Babe always chose to look on the bright side and encouraged us to smile. On the darkest days, somehow, she would always be the first to see the light on the horizon. We can all recall a time when she said, “Look! It’s getting brighter over there!”
Mom’s strong faith led to a strong faith in others. She truly believed in loving unconditionally. Accepting and loving people as individuals and finding the good in everyone. It’s no wonder that her home was a place that everyone felt loved and welcomed. We will all miss her blue eyes and bright smile.
A private funeral mass will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the School of the Holy Childhood in Babe’s memory.
Comments
6 responses to “Schaefer, Elsie “Babe”
This is a beautifully composed and heartfelt memory. The writer(s) sure captured the essential style and grace of Babe. She was a delight to know (and be related to), right up to my last pre-COVID visit to her. I love the reference to “Look it’s getting brighter over there!” and her un-missible Woerner blue eyes. She was Mom’s cousin, younger by 10 years, but I knew so much about their growing up years when the 2 families were involved in their day-to-day lives and was privileged to have a taste of it all my life. There was no one quite like Babe in our family – and anywhere I suppose. Her death leaves a big blank but she lived a long life and lived it well.
Ah, Babe, Mr. Wonderful ( my children believed it was truly his name… this team, marriage, love for one another and family was immense and one could feel it, sense it when being welcomed by them and their family. She will be missed as will Dick ;one cannot fill the space they leave behind. Love you Babe & Dick ❤️
Abe wa
Babe was a ‘Church Friend’. She and Dick sat behind us for years. She always had a smile and a good word for everyone. We also worked at the soup kitchen at Blessed Sacrament for many years. Babe was also a “ Mercy Girl”. If I remember correctly. We will miss her.
I am very sorry to hear of Babe’s passing. My whole life I only knew of her as Babe (she’s my mother Jane’s first cousin). The first time I heard Elsie was from my wife. Kris and I were at a family reunion or some other gathering, and Babe and Dick were there. Kris said “‘you know Elsie and Dick Schaefer?” I said “yes, but her name’s Babe, not Elsie”(I thought she was nuts). Kris had worked at Dr. Gagnier’s office for a few years and assured me she was right and that was wrong…… She of course was right, but it always makes me smile when I think of Babe and Dick….. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Such a beautiful and true tribute to a wonderful lady. And oh yes, those blue eyes. She was one of the sweetest people one could ever meet. Her kindness and gift of genuine hospitality have surely been passed on to my dearest friend, her equally wonderful daughter Jeannie. My love and prayers will be with Babe’s family every day.
Babe was the sister I never had. We were there for each other in our youth years. Babe stood up for our wedding and I stood up for theirs. I thank God she was part of my life.Terry Smith