Estelle Ann "Sis" Schaefer

She was born in Chicago on October 13, 1931 to Robert and Estelle McMahon, one of seven children in a family where love, laughter and song were so important. In her youth, the family summered on the Fox River in McHenry where she met the love of her life, Donald H. Schaefer, whom she married in 1953. They shared 65 years together before his passing in 2018.

Sis always held a wide circle of friends, whether living in McHenry, Joliet, Springfield or Arlington Heights. She graduated from Chicago Teachers College and spent her life with children, teaching kindergarten and music and even as a part-time substitute teacher well into her 80’s at Miner School in Arlington Heights. She was a devout Catholic, a member of St. James Parish where she was named “Woman of the Year” in 2000. Sis was an active member of Volunteers Unlimited, managing the food pantry at St. James for many years. Sis also was a St. James Care Minister, Past Guild President of the St. James Women's Club and a School of Religion teacher.

Sis and Don were blessed with five children, Mary (Dennis) Mahoney of Naperville, Don (Mary) Schaefer of Springfield, Jim (Marilyn) Schaefer of Springfield, Tom (Jana) Schaefer of Boca Raton, FL, and Phil (Kate) Schaefer of Moline, IL, 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Ann Metzger of Arlington Heights along with dozens of nieces and nephews.

A wake will be held on Sunday, May 23, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 East Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights, IL. In consideration of the safety of our guests and associates, Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home will ask that proper social distancing be practiced and all guests wear face masks at all times. Thank you for your cooperation. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 24 at 10:30 AM at St. James Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL. She will be laid to rest immediately following at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Parish or the Clerics of St. Viator, 1213 E. Euclid Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.