Eugena Schaefer

Eugena was born November 23, 1944 in Washington, DC. She was the daughter of the late Vincent and Edith (Poist) Walter.

Eugena was a 1962 graduate of Kings Mills High School in Kings Mills Ohio. She was raised in South Lebanon, OH along with her siblings, Vince, Patty and Eileen. Eugena earned a degree from Ohio University in 1966 and continued her formal education studying physics at UMASS Amherst. She was employed as a Software Programmer for Mass Mutual and later worked for Travelers Insurance Company in Hartford, CT. It was while working in Connecticut that she would meet her soulmate Edward P. “Ted” Schaefer. She fondly referred to Ted as “the man of my dreams” and they enjoyed a wonderful life together. Eugena and Ted owned several seasonal rental properties on Cape Cod in Eastham, Truro and Wellfleet. They would eventually retire in Wellfleet where Eugena served as a Water Commissioner in 2010. She was also a passionate member and advocate for the Non-resident Taxpayer Association even after becoming a year-round resident.

Eugena was widowed in 2012 after losing Ted to a long and courageous battle with Cancer. She asked to be remembered as a woman who “truly loved her husband”. Eugena often remembered and spoke lovingly of Ted saying “I lucked out when I married him. My life with him was more than I ever imagined.”

Eugena is survived by her loving daughter Melanie Gerardi and her loving step-sons, Marc Schaefer, Todd Schaefer and Erik Schaefer. She also leaves behind 5 grandchildren and many dear friends.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 1:00 PM at The Wellfleet Preservation Hall, 335 Main St, Wellfleet, MA 02667. Burial is private.

Donations in her memory may be to The Lily House by visiting www.thelilyhouse.org, The Navigator Program at Outer Cape Health Services by calling Veronique at 508-905-2823 or donate to the charity of one’s choice.