Evelyn M. DeGrandchamp Schaefer

EVELYN (DeGRANDCHAMP) M. SCHAEFER, 51, of Fort Wayne, was called to Heaven Monday, March 29, 2010, with family beside her. "My best friend, love of my life, mother of my children, the glue called love that turned a house into a home." She was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt and grandmother. Born in Fort Wayne, she was the third oldest of nine children and the daughter of Ernest and Marilyn DeGrandchamp. After 18 years of pursuit, she was caught by Steven Schaefer and married on Oct. 16,1993. She had two sons and adopted four more children. But many children came to call her mom and grandma, including foster children, foreign exchange students and children of friends and family. She enjoyed camping, snow skiing, painting, gardening, her dogs and spending time with her family. For many years, she was a member of Queen of Angels Church where all her children attended school. She was most recently a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Arcola. She started working at age 15 for Richard's Restaurant, Fort Wayne; she spent 15 years at Dana; and finally at Schaefer Sales & Service. Surviving are her husband, Steven E.; daughter, Alissa Schaefer; sons, Mic (Amy) Schaefer, Ryan (Andrea) Schaefer, Lonnie Schaefer, Nicholas Schaefer, and Matthew Schaefer; grandson, Caiden Schaefer; father, Ernest DeGrandchamp; brother, Jack (Ann) DeGrandchamp; sisters, Vivian (Robert) Musser, Anita (Ken) Harmeyer, Rita (Chris) Schroeder, Eileen (Thomas) F'enker, Renee (David) Jansen, Jeanne (David Esterbrook) Robinson, and Carolyn (Corey) Carpenter; 36 nieces and nephews; 11 great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Marilyn DeGrandchamp; and a niece, Stacey. Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Arcola, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, with Rosary recitation at 3:30 p.m. Monday. Entombment in Catholic Cemetery. Preferred memorials to I.U. Medical Center, Indianapolis. Please visit www.hockemeyermillerfh.com