Mary Anne Schaefer

Mary Schaefer, wife of Joe Schaefer and mother of John, Patrick, and Lisa Schaefer, passed away October 24, 2018. She was 82. Mary was born in Parsons, Kansas, to Leo and Ilene Molloy who,along with her two brothers, Frank and Bob, predeceased her. She is survived by her two sisters, Kathleen and Patricia; Sister-in-Law, Rebecca Molloy; and several nieces and grandnieces. She attended school in Parsons and graduated from St. Patricks High School in 1954. She attended St. Johns Hospital School of Nursing in Tulsa graduating and becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in 1958. Over the years she was registered in Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Mary entered the Air Force in 1959 as a 2nd Lieutenant in the USAF Nurse Corps. From 1959 to 1963 she served as a staff nurse on male medical/surgical wards at Carswell AFB, Fort Worth, and Clark AB, Philippines. From 1963 to 1968 she performed in all phases of maternity care. In 1964, Mary and Joe Schaefer were married at Perrin AFB and in 1966 were transferred to Wiesbaden, Mary to the Wiesbaden USAF Hospital and Joe to HQ USAFE. In March 1968, our lives changed as she and Joe welcomed the first of their three children, John. Eleven months later along came Patrick. Our daughter, Lisa was welcomed in 1975 here in San Antonio. Unable to have children, Mary and Joe chose to adopt. Mary was a very dedicated mother. Her children were children of her heart and she poured love into them like her little vessels. Her dedication to children never diminished. Over the years, she took many opportunities to help as many children as she could, through years of volunteering at elementary schools. Her ability to find those in need was Gods will. Whether, it be family, a friend, a stranger, or even an animal, she would always find a way to make you feel loved and cared for. Her humility was unparalleled. Her devotion to her Lord and the Catholic Church was always her leading path. Her service to her church, family and community will never be forgotten. A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, November 29th at 10:00 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.