Daryl Jill Schaefer

Daryl Jill Schaefer entered into rest on December 28, 2025. Born and raised in Chicago to Bernice “Tutu” and Carl “Boompa” Wagner, Daryl grew up in a lively home alongside her siblings April, Enid, and Carl “Chip.” That family closeness shaped her generous spirit and the way she loved throughout her life. Through many chapters—including earlier marriages to Glenn Peterson and later to James Anzelmo—Daryl welcomed two sons, Carey “Scott” Peterson and Jay Anzelmo, and built a life grounded in devotion, resilience, and love.

Daryl was deeply proud of putting herself through Maryville University, graduating magna cum laude in Business Administration while raising her two boys and working full time in marketing at ConAgra Foods’ Banquet Foods Group. During her years at Banquet, she formed treasured friendships, especially with Peggy Litzenger and Georgene Tierney, who—along with their husbands—remained lifelong best friends. In the early 1990s, when Banquet moved out of St. Louis, Daryl joined Wagner Brakes/Moog Automotive as a Marketing Manager. Shortly thereafter she met the last of her great loves, Carl Schaefer. They married in 1992, traveled widely across the country, and found new levels of happiness in countless shared experiences and island sunsets throughout the Caribbean and South America.

Carl’s executive career took them to Philadelphia, Buffalo, and ultimately Mt. Laurel, New Jersey—a place Daryl loved most, thanks to dear neighbors and friends, including Dr. Jewelle Sutherland. She reveled in the variety of new places and people, and she and Carl warmly entertained friends, neighbors, and Carl’s sales teams over the years.

Fate intervened when Carl died suddenly at the age of 54. Distraught but courageous, Daryl carried his memory forward with grace—honoring their adventures by continuing to notice beauty, nurture loyal friendships, and lift others’ spirits. She smiled often, cheered others on freely, and believed that love—and the risk of loss—was always worth it. Romantic, hopeful, and brave hearted, she never stopped choosing joy.

Daryl would find love again but chose not to remarry. Instead, she delighted in fortifying her role as “Tutu-2” to her sons’ stepchildren and grandchildren. Her legacy is one of steadfast love and courageous joy: a mother who worked and studied so her sons could flourish; a colleague who made workdays lighter; a friend whose laughter filled rooms; a woman who, despite sorrow, never lost hope. She taught by example that, no matter what life may bring, we must remain thankful for what God has given us—be kind, loving, and optimistic—and stay open to being happy again.

She is preceded in death by her husbands, Carl Schaefer, James Anzelmo, and Glenn Peterson; her siblings April, Enid, and Carl “Chip”; and her son, Carey “Scott” Peterson. She is survived by her son, Jay Anzelmo; his wife and co caregiver in Daryl’s final years, Christy; granddaughters Jordan and Kelsey; grandson Connor; and great granddaughters Emma, Scarlett, Everly, and Autum; most cherished friends Peggy (and Bob) Litzenger and Georgene (and Tom) Tierney; dear friend Ron Cragen; and two beloved grand dachshunds, Bella and Frankie.

Daryl maintained many dear friendships throughout her life; the longest was with Joyce (and Bill) Palm (godparents to Jay). She also cherished Bob and Bonnie Leone, Bob and Mary Lou Wilson, Velma Cox, Lori Harper, Janice Mathers, Elaine Thein, and especially Dr. Jewelle Sutherland and family.

Intensely devoted to animal kindness, Daryl often took in others’ pets who needed extra care and love, giving them a home through their final days. Much to the chagrin of her neighbors’ flowers and shrubs, she faithfully fed the local deer and birds—and more than a few well fed squirrels. Even as her battle with Alzheimer’s progressed, her joyful commitment to loving all of God’s creatures never wavered—and neither did her impulse to share that joy with others.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Daryl’s honor to the Fredericksburg SPCA (https://fredspca.org/donate) or Old Dominion Humane Society (https://www.olddominionhumanesociety.org/donate), reflecting her lifelong devotion to the animals who love us so purely. May your gift bring to another the same spark of love and gratitude Daryl found in every rescued friend.

Author’s note: while going through “old papers,” a previously undiscovered collegiate presentation surfaced—strikingly apt in how it speaks to understanding and coping with death. Written after her father’s passing while she was still in her late thirties or early forties, its conclusion feels prophetic. The author believes Daryl consciously lived out its wisdom until her passing at 83. With gratitude, I share my mother’s posthumous last words of guidance, left for her son:

“In death and in grief, we do not need as much protection from painful experiences as we need the boldness to face them…We must take the time to integrate loss into our lives so that when love is lost, our capacity to love is not lost also. From our grief, can come growth which will inspire and motivate us to live each day to the fullest.”

May her memory be a blessing and a guiding light.