Geraldine Ann Schaefer

Gerry was originally from Wilmette, Illinois. Born Geraldine Ann Hoffmann to John and Marie Hoffmann, she is survived by her sister Joan Fuller and her brother John Hoffmann. She also leaves behind five children (Larry Schaefer, Eric Schaefer, Katie Thompson, Amy Schaefer, and Maggie Schaefer), six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. She followed her husband around the country for his work, living in various places in Illinois, California, Hawaii, New Mexico, New Jersey, and Arizona.

Gerry never had any interest in a career, wanting only to be a wife and mother. But to her these titles encompassed many skills, all of which she enjoyed. She was a cook and baker. Always fascinated in trying new recipes, whether for a chicken dish or a seven-layer chocolate supreme cake! She could always find willing guinea pigs to try her attempts, especially for her baked goods. When her children had left the nest and her husband developed diabetes, she took the treats to the hospital where she volunteered, and found the radiology techs to be eager to fill in. She passed her talent for cooking, and particularly baking, on to all her children. Cleaning house was never a chore for Gerry. She loved to keep her home pretty, and soon had a small army of children to help her with this task

Being a good wife also meant taking up golf in Gerry's book, since she refused to be a golf widow! She proved not only talented, but supremely happy out on the links. Bill was thrilled to have a partner on the course as well as in the home. And being a good mother meant reading to her children. They all maintain that no one ever read a storybook aloud as well as their mother did. She read aloud to Maggie until she was old enough to read aloud back. They continued this enjoyable activity with each other until shortly before Gerry's death.

Never one to let anything go to waste, she put her associates degree in Art to work in crafting ornaments, pillows, and various household items on a high level. Passing on the love for it to two of her daughters. Her favorite way to create art was with a needle in her hand, and she didn't only limit herself to decorative items. She fashioned entire wardrobes for her three daughters (and occasionally their friends) throughout their childhood.

Taking care of the house extended to the yard for Gerry. She thrived there, having a truly green thumb, and made beautiful gardens at each of her homes. Every garden included roses, which she dearly loved, and which she grew abundantly. She passed this trait on to her son, Larry, who also has the gift for growing.

Though basically a homebody, she enjoyed travelling the back roads of America and Canada with her husband. Spending the mornings birding and the afternoons watching the fields and forests roll by. She always said that there wasn't an ugly place anywhere in the country. It was all beautiful. We'll always remember our Mother the same way. There wasn't an ugly or unkind bone in her body. She was only kind and beautiful.

We encourage anyone who would like to send money in lieu of flowers to contribute to:

The Walk to End Alzheimer's: Team Brain Builders (please choose a particular team member to contribute to) http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2018/AZ-DesertSouthwest?team_id=478804&pg=team&fr_id=11049

-or-

Hospice of the Valley

Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix AZ 85014 https://www.hov.org/donate/donate-now/