Obituary of Mary E. Schaeffer

Mary Elizabeth Schaeffer (née Mead), of Madison, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. She was 93.

Mary was born in Jersey City on Christmas Eve, 1930 to the late John and Louise Mead (née King). She grew up in North Arlington and was one of 10 children.

After graduating with a bachelor's degree from Caldwell College, Mary met her husband, William Schaeffer. The couple was married in August of 1955, and settled in Convent Station where they remained for 25 years.

Mary was a devoted caregiver to her five daughters, especially Barbara, who was born with special needs. Through loving and caring for Barbara, Mary found her passion for teaching children with special needs and became a special education teacher for the Bee Meadow School in Whippany. She believed in every child’s ability to succeed in learning. In 1985, she won State Teacher of the Year.  She supported the formation of the Rose House in Cedar Knolls, a non-profit organization that helps individuals with special needs obtain independence and build social and life skills. Mary had lasting relationships with her students and their families and kept in contact with them up until her passing.

After their retirement, Mary and William split their time between Waretown, NJ, the Princess Condos in Stuart, FL, and their beach house in LBI. Mary adored the Beach House restaurant in LBI and was friendly with all the waitstaff. She enjoyed the occasional game of golf and tennis and walked every day until the age of 90. She was a devout Catholic who prayed every morning especially to Saint Anthony, her favorite saint. Mary liked to keep her mind sharp with reading, doing crossword puzzles, and watching Jeopardy. Her favorite game by far was mahjong, and she enjoyed teaching it as well. 

Mary was a selfless, giving, and nurturing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family will never forget her love, but they take comfort in knowing that she is at peace.

Mary leaves behind her devoted daughters Susan Hollenbach, Carol Mateo and her husband Alan, Judith Schaeffer-Benoit and her husband Edward, and Barbara Schaeffer; two brothers James and Patrick; two sisters Claire and Louise; seven cherished grandchildren Melanie, Amy, Austin, Geneva, Brianne, Levi, and Amber; eleven treasured great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, William Lyle Schaeffer; her daughter Mary Louise Schaeffer; and her siblings John, Jane, Rose, Margaret, and Joseph. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a memorial visitation for Mary on Sunday, September 15, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison. 

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to Hope Christian Services, 700 Mountain Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481.  Online in memory of Mary E Schaeffer can also be done  https://hopechristian.org/give/.  Thank you