Ann Watson Schaffer

Ann is survived by daughters, Lisa Schaffer and Martha Schaffer Nalepa from Austin; grandchildren, Kyle Nalepa and Annie Nalepa from Austin; son-in-law, Karl Nalepa; sister, Martha Jane Watson from San Antonio; niece, Margaret Blagg; nephews, Bill Blagg, John Lee Blagg, and Mike Blagg from Brownwood; nephew, Chuck Schaffer; nieces, Lynn Schaffer Beaver, and Holly Schaffer Tuccio from Austin.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Victor Schaffer; her mother and father, W. Lee Watson and Thelma Walker Watson; her sister, Mary Belle Watson Blagg; and her brother, Rev. Wm. Lee Watson, OMI.

Ann was born and raised in Brownwood, Texas. She graduated from The University of Texas in Austin with a degree in Business. She was one of only a handful of women to be in the Business program at that time. In 1955 she married the love of her life, Victor Schaffer. Together they built Mechanical Wholesale, a successful wholesale plumbing supply business in downtown Austin. . .when downtown was still very industrial. El Rancho's long time location was across the street from their business, so many, many lunches were spent there over the years. Ann and Victor were both very active at St. Ignatius Catholic Church and School and served on committees to help build the church as it stands now on Oltorf Drive. Years later upon moving to the Westlake area, Ann joined, and became very active at St. John Neumann Catholic Church.

Ann was a loving and generous wife, mother, sister, friend, and church volunteer. She cared for, and about, everyone, never concerned about herself. She was a grand lady with a delightful sense of humor; she had an honest and pure spirit.

Many of her friends at St. John Neumann, as well as around the Westlake community, referred to her as the "hat lady". She loved wearing hats and brought them back into style every Sunday when going to Mass. She served on several committees at St. John Neumann; was one of the founding members of the Mary & Martha hospitality group; and volunteered on the Bereavement Committee in writing letters of love and condolences of behalf of the SJN congregation. Ann had a lovely way with the written word; sharing her gift with all.

Ann was so proud, and deeply loved, her grandchildren, Kyle and Annie. She said they were the light of her life. "Nana", as they called her, was a loving and supportive presence in their lives, who will be dearly missed. Lisa and Martha are proud to have called her "Mom" and will keep her gentle spirit in their hearts.

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to the St. John Neumann Music Ministry (5455 Bee Cave Road, Austin, TX 78746). As a child, Ann's mother played the piano and organ for many years at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Brownwood. Ann found great comfort thru hymns, as well as listening to liturgical music performed by musicians and choirs. For Ann, her faith, her family, and her dear friends reflected the joy she had in her heart.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am on January 12, 2017 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church.