To Eleanor's Family,
I am sorry I was unable to attend the services due to being out of state.  However, I wish to express my condolences for your loss.  What a wonderful lady, beautiful smile and lover of all children.  As an educator, I learned more about early childhood education from Eleanor Schaefer than in any college classroom or textbook.  See was a very special friend to the staff and students of the Hamilton Local Schools.  During my career I always enjoyed her visits and the many notes of encouragement I received along the way.  During our last visit a few years ago, along with Tom & Karen King and Tony Piehowicz, we enjoyed sharing the memories of our times together.  It was an opportunity for us to tell Eleanor just how much she influenced our careers.  She will never be forgotten.

Elmo G. Kallner

Sent a gift in memory of Eleanor D. Schaefer

To the Family- I am so sorry I was unable to attend the service today. Eleanor had a tremendous influence on my career as a teacher and principal. I learned so much about early childhood education from her. When I first became an elementary school principal Eleanor helped me organize a reading program at our school. She was a very respected professional not just in Franklin County, but throughout the state of Ohio. My friend Elmo Kallner and I visited her several years ago at her home. She prepared lunch for us and had that same smile we always remembered.

Tony Piehowicz

Dear Grandma, 

Even though you are missed, you are remembered in our hearts and minds. We will miss your great smile, beautiful eyes, wonderful laughter and love for your grandchildren and great grandchildren. Though you will be missed, we know you are not far from us.  We ask that you watch over our children and help guide them.  We are blessed to have you as an example in our lives.  Thank you for all the wonderful memories. Until we meet again.

Love,

Steve, Melissa, Michael, Rachel and Olivia Schaefer

Dear Laurel,
Jim joins me in sending you our deepest sympathies at the passing of the lovely Eleanor.  
With love,
Dana

In reading the recent obituaries, I came across that of your loved one.  I would like to express my deepest condolences to your family.  I am sending this message to share some encouraging bible thoughts that can help at a time such as this.   Only from the word of God can we find real comfort.   In particular the scripture found at Revelation 21:4 which says, “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”  Philippians 4:7  assures you that you can endure when, “the peace of God that excels all thought guard your hearts and mental powers.” I hope this will ease your pain and again I'm so sorry for your loss.  Please feel free to contact me.

11 files added to the album Remembering Eleanor Schaefer

Dear Barb & Chip,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. I've heard a lot of great things about this wonderful woman - may the bounty of happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Warm hugs,
Allyson & Todd Sterling

Dear Grandma Schaefer,
How blessed we have been to have you for our grandmother! All of our memories of you contain your beautiful smile, laugh, and twinkling eyes. You are truly the epitome of a grand lady. You showed us the example of a person filled with love for God, family, and friends, and someone who lived life to the fullest. Thank you for leaving us with so many wonderful memories to cherish, until we get to meet again!
We love you so very much,
Lisa, Alfonso, and Stephen

Elizabeth tenreiro purchased the Angel Arrangement for the family of Eleanor D. Schaefer.

"Love is Eternal"
My life has been honored with nearly 60 years of my 72 years spent in the house of mother; Eleanor Hoffman Schaefer. "Mamacita," I will love you forever!  
Your girl, Laney Lou.

Dear Chip, Rick, Laurie and Lani,

Eleanor was truly a remarkable woman and one of my dearest friends.  Professioally, she was admired and loved by all who knew her.  Eleanor's  enthusiasm was contagious as she worked with children and other educators. She also had that wonderful ability to listen to others and make you feel that your thoughts and ideas were important.  During our years working in the schools, I never heard anyone say anything negative about Elearnor. 

Our friendship was very special.  We had a lot of fun doing things together.  One of our favorite trips was to go to New York and try to do as many shows as possible.  We often purchased half-price tickets in Times Square and then would run to the theater to make 
the opening curtain.  Eleanor had a wonderful sense of humor whick made everything fun.
On trips to Europe, Eleanor was usually the oldest person on the tour, but would end up being the "darling" of the group.  I just tagged along.  What wonderful memories I have of our times together.

Most of all Eleanor was a great friend.  She always listened and had time for me when I needed her.  I loved her and will miss her.

Julia Wright

Dear Schaefer Family,

Learning of Eleanor's death today made this a very sad day for me.  Remembering our little group of four, who for years, shared dinner together and then attended First Night's stage show at the Palace Theatre.  Eleanor was a beautiful lady, both inside and out and a friend to all.  Her devotion and committment to the development of children shall remain a legacy for years to come. 

My deepest sympathy.

Peg Higginbotham

Precious Mother,

You are my darling and I will carry your sweet spirit in my heart until the time comes that we will be together in the realm of God's Glory!

These last days with you are now etched as cherished memories and although we could no longer have our fun, hour-long chats you spoke to me in other ways; through the twinkle in your crystal-blue eyes, your little giggle, your dear smile, your soft-spoken comments and your valiant effort to lift your hand to my cheek.   

You were, and always will be, my template for excellence!  You died as you had lived; with dignity, spirit and grace.  No regrets and nothing left undone...a remarkable accomplishment in itself.  You were like the roses you loved, beautiful and delicate yet resilient and hearty.

Your nickname of 'Mother America' was not so much in response to my achievement as much as it was to your loving, giving ways.  With open arms and a magnetic personality you endeared all who came to know "Eleanor."

Thank-you mom for letting me fulfill my promise to sing you the "Lord's Prayer" as a parting gesture to commemorate our special Mother-Daughter bond and our sacred relationship with Lord, Jesus Christ. 

I will forever remain your devoted daughter,

Laurel Lea

Fireside Basket - Blue, Yellow and White was purchased for the family of Eleanor D. Schaefer.

How lucky am I to have known such a wonderful woman.
It is with great pleasure that I got the opportunity to be another daughter.
Sleep peacefully sweet Eleanor,  
When heaven embraces you, you'll be the most brilliant light.  

Love, Pammela

Deborah & Alison Waun purchased the Angel Arrangement for the family of Eleanor D. Schaefer.

My Dear Friend Laurel,
It is never easy to lose a parent because it seems so final. All we have left are our memories. As Christians we know that death is not the end and one day you will be reunited with your mother. I am glad that you were able to be with her for the last few days of her life.  You were a devoted loving daughter to a wonderful, exceptional mother who set an example for you to follow.
My prayers are with you.
Deborah Waun

One Mother (unknown author)
“You can only have one mother
Patient kind and true;
No other friend in all the world,
Will be the same to you.
When other friends forsake you,
To mother you will return,
For all her loving kindness,
She asks nothing in return.
As you look upon her picture,
Sweet memories you recall,
Of a face so full of sunshine,
And a smile for one and all.
Sweet Jesus, take this message,
To our dear mother up above;
Tell her how we miss her,
And give her all our love.”

Dear Family,

There was absolutely no one more dedicated to the care and education of children than Eleanor.  She was the most caring, most loving,person for children that I have ever known.  I worked with her for several years in the Gahanna Jefferson School District and she had my utmost respect.  When she suggested I would listen and do!  It took me a little while from 1970 when I became Asst. Supt. for Curriculum for Gahanna to learn this but when I did..........I listened...........and I did.....May God bless this most caring and most wonderful educator...Amen!

4 files added to the album Remembering Eleanor Schaefer

Dearest Schaefer Family,

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of "Aunt Eleanor"!   She was one of the strongest women I know as well as a woman who loved life, her family and her God.  I never heard her complain about anything!

She has left behind so many wonderful memories that I know our family will never forget.  We are all the better for knowing her!

She and "Uncle Charlie" befriended a newly married couple (Florence & Paul Down) who had just moved to Columbus OH in the 1950's.....that  friendship between the families has lasted all these years and continues to this day.   What great memories the Down family has of our fun visits!

She will be missed but never forgotten!!!

"Remember Me 
Author: Unknown 

Remember me when flowers bloom
Early in the spring
Remember me on sunny days
In the fun that summer brings

Remember me in the fall
As you walk through the leaves of gold
And in the wintertime - remember me
In the stories that are told

But most of all remember
Each day - right from the start
I will be forever near
For I live within your heart"

With love and prayers,
Carol (Down) and Donnie Reed

Below is an article Eleanor left with us:

Eleanor has been honored by the State Legislature, State Department of Education and professional associations for her work with the young child and contributions to education. Eleanor earned her B.A. at Hunter College, N.Y.C. and her M.A. at The Ohio State University. Graduate work in early childhood education was completed at Columbia University and Capital University. Eleanor has been both a preschool and kindergarten teacher. She was the Director of a Cooperative Nursery School for the Family Life Program and Director of Preschool Education, Breldway Country Home and Day School in Toledo. Eleanor has served as the Curriculum Consultant in Elementary Education, Franklin County Department of Education. She is a published author and has been a guest instructor at The Ohio State University, Ohio University, and Columbus State University. A major focus of Eleanor’s work always has been reading and the education of the young child. She strongly believes that helping you children at home prior to entering school is where it all begins.

Chip, Laurel Lea, and family,

Thank you for trusing us in caring for your mother and family. It is an honor to help you during this time.

2 files added to the album Remembering Eleanor Schaefer

Joe and Carroll Bowman purchased the Grand Vase - The Lago for the family of Eleanor D. Schaefer.

OBITUARY

Eleanor D. Schaefer

September 22, 1915 – November 21, 2012

Schoedinger Midtown

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