Shirley Damschroder Schaefer

Surrounded by her family, Shirley Damschroder Schaefer, formerly of Elmore Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday October 2nd, 2021, at the age of 86 years in Green Valley Arizona. Shirley was born on November 11, 1934, to Alvin and Elizabeth Damschroder. She graduated from Elmore Harris High School in 1952 and spent 12 years working as a clerical assistant in Elmore. In 1969, she graduated from The University of Toledo with her BS in chemistry and obtained a MS in Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene. For over 20 years, she worked as a chemist for Sunoco Inc. In 1984, she married Harold Schaefer and, after her retirement, they spent many years traveling around the United States and Europe. In 2014, they relocated to Green Valley, Arizona where she lived until her passing.

      Shirley was a smart, loving, and talented woman who enjoyed spending time playing bridge with her friends, golfing with her husband, knitting, and creating needlepoint pictures. An avid reader, she was an ardent supporter of her hometown library and longtime volunteer at the Harris Elmore Public library. She enjoyed daily walks, having monthly lunches with her 1952 high school classmates and spending time with her family. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and her late husband Harold F. Schaefer.  She is survived by her daughter Susan Hofmann (Tony), four stepchildren Kathie Meyer, Kurt Schaefer (Carol), Karol Holley (Rick), and Kim Raney (John Beaumont); sister Carol Gackstetter and several nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

      A private funeral will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.  Donations can be made in her honor to Harris Elmore Public library or to the Northwest Ohio Alzheimer’s Association.