Grace Hinsch Schaeffer, 85, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 30, 2021 while living in Orange Park, Florida. She was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, grew up in Secaucus, and graduated from Hackensack Medical Center School of
Nursing as a Registered Nurse. She was a member of Advent Lutheran Church and enjoyed being a member of the Advent Lutheran Church Quilters. She was also a member of the Ocean Grove Auditorium Ladies Auxiliary for many years.
Grace met her beloved Bing (Gordon B. Schaeffer) in Secaucus and they married in 1957. Grace was a loyal Air Force wife and accompanied Bing wherever he was stationed around the United States. Their family grew with the addition of five children. In 1966, Grace and their 5 young children accompanied Bing when he was stationed in Taiwan. Upon returning to the states, their sixth child was born. Grace and Bing taught their children to know and love God, and by their actions taught us the importance of family, kindness, generosity, and hard work. Mom loved a clean and orderly house, a beautiful garden,and always had a list of things to be done. Along with Bing, she always found time for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Mom was introduced to Ocean Grove, New Jersey, by Bing's parents before they
married. She treasured the time spent in "God's Square Mile" with her immediate and extended family and many friends. We cherish the memories made there with Mom and in all the homes around the world that she and Dad made for all of us.
Mom faced many health struggles throughout her life; the devotion that Bing showed, along with her strength and determination, and strong faith in God has set an example for all of us who love her so much. The last weeks of Mom's life were bittersweet; this time she was ready to "go home" to Jesus. We mourn the loss of her earthly presence, but rejoice that she is in a new heavenly body, free from pain. We know she will still prompt Bing to take care of the house and garden the way she would want him to, and we expect that she is enjoying "coffee and cake" with loved ones who were waiting for her in heaven. Grace was a spunky soul, and that has been passed on to each of her children and "grands" in one way or another.
Grace was predeceased by her parents: George and Christina Hinsch and brother, George Hinsch. Survivors include her loving husband of more than 64 years, Gordon B. Schaeffer; children: Cathy Palmer, Gordon B. Schaeffer Jr.(Sharlet), Grace Ann Shotwell (David), Melissa Smith (Mickey), David Schaeffer (Heather) and Jeanne
Maszy; siblings: Jean Deaton and Christina Hinsch; grandchildren: Jessica Biggs (Josh), Jeremy Palmer, Amanda Dodds (Travis), Adam Palmer, Christina Hanna
(Richard), Gordon B. Schaeffer III, Kathryn Schaeffer, David M. Shotwell III, Sarah Shotwell, Rebecca Smith, Shayne Smith, Trevor Smith (Audrey), Samantha Schaeffer, Michael Schaeffer and Grace Maszy; great-grandchildren: Mason Biggs, Aubrey Biggs, Adriana Garrett, Callie Dodds, Ella Dodds, Grayson Dodds, Ryan Hanna, and Leila
Hanna; and a host of extended family and friends.
Family will receive friends and family on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 from 5-7 PM at
HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange
Park, FL. Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM, Wednesday June 16, 2021 at Advent Lutheran Church, 2156 Loch Rane Blvd, Orange Park, FL. Burial will follow at 1 PM in Jacksonville National Cemetery, 40833 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her honor to: Advent Lutheran Church. Please post words of comfort at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.
