Maria Schaefer

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Maria Schaefer, who left us on April 16, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born on November 10, 1938, Maria was a force of nature from the start. In her younger years, she was known for her fierce spirit on the soccer field, where she held her own with grit and determination. That same tenacity would follow her throughout her life—in her work, her passions, and the way she loved.

A gifted seamstress, Maria could take a simple piece of fabric and turn it into something extraordinary. Her hands stitched stories into every hem, every patch, and every handmade gift. Her garden was her sanctuary, where she found peace among the flowers and dirt under her fingernails. She never shied away from a day spent outdoors, whether it was pulling weeds, planting seeds, or simply soaking up the sun.

Maria was stubborn and opinionated, never afraid to speak her mind or stand her ground. You always knew where she stood, and there was a certain comfort in that. She loved deeply, though not always conventionally, and in her own way—quiet, steadfast, and often unspoken.

She leaves behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and honest love. Though she has moved on from this world, her presence will forever be felt in the gardens she tended, the clothes she crafted, and the memories we hold dear.

She is survived children Elke G. Allen, Rolf Schaefer, and Helmut Schaefer, as well as brother Josef “Seppi” Ruckert, who will carry her spirit with them always.