Barbara Ann Schaefer

Barbara Ann Schaefer passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, at the age of 81, surrounded by her loving family. Although she described her life as ordinary, her 81 years were marked by great generosity, passion for learning, deep love for those around her and travel around the globe.

Born on November 24, 1944, in Midland, Michigan, Barb was the cherished second child of Mary Jo (Maher) and Hugo Louis Schaefer. She grew up in Midland along with her three brothers, William, Richard and Stephen, attending St. Brigid Catholic School and graduating from Midland High School in 1963.

Barb enjoyed working with children and served as a counselor at Camp White Deer during the summers between her college years at Rosary College in River Forest, IL. Upon graduating with her BA in English in 1967, Barb decided to join the Catholic Extension Society and serve the rural poor – first in Rock Springs, Wyoming, where she taught CCD and did home visits; then in Houma, Louisiana where she taught sewing and coached the girls’ basketball team. She laughingly shared that they did NOT have a winning season.

After her service with the Catholic Extension, Barb settled in Hamtramck for nine years. During this time, she worked for the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Institute for Continuing Education and was part of an exciting time of Church renewal. In order to figure out what she wanted to do next with her life, she decided to take a film class. That led to her earning an MA in Speech Communication & Theater with a concentration in Radio/TV/Film from Wayne State University. She had the claim to fame of producing a very fine film: “How to Change a Lightbulb.” Always ready to learn and never willing to settle for a position that didn’t suit her, Barb worked various jobs in the ensuing years: Programming Assistant at WTVS/Detroit 56, Detroit Tank Arsenal, Chrysler Learning, Inc., and AT Kearney. She moved to the Cleveland area in 1980 where she settled on her career niche, developing self-paced training writing classes for program leader development and facilitation skills. She worked for Ernst & Whinney, which later became Ernst & Young, and then for Intellinex and ACS Learning Services. Toward the end of her career, Barb enjoyed working several overseas projects teaching International Audit Methodology in Munich and London. Throughout her careers, she valued and maintained the friendships she built.

Faith was an integral part of Barb’s life. She was a longtime member of the Cleveland area Christian Life Community and a faithful parishioner at Catholic parishes wherever she lived. Barb often attended daily mass and served as a lector. Serving others was always a priority, and, on moving to East Lansing in October 2021, she immediately plugged into projects serving the local community through St Thomas Aquinas Parish.

Barb found great joy in exploring the world around her, and was fortunate to visit and experience life in many places across the globe. She said she inherited her love of travel from her mother who first showed her a picture of a cactus in a book. Mary Jo frequently took her children to travelogues, and the love of learning about other places and cultures took firm root in Barb. During her lifetime, she visited all seven continents, over 60 countries, and all 50 states. She had a great eye for capturing photographs of scenery, people and nature. She also loved doing genealogy research. She was fascinated by the stories and family histories, periodically travelling to other states and countries to track down pieces of information to add to the family record.

Barb was a beloved aunt to four nieces. Despite living in a different state, she was intentionally present in their lives. Some of their earliest memories include week-long visits filled with fun at Auntie Barb’s, and Barb frequently brought them souvenirs from her travels. When her oldest niece finished 8th grade, Barb took her on an adventure to Scotland. She did the same for each niece, passing on her love of travel to each of them. Barb was an integral part of Schaefer family life, from hosting the whole family for Thanksgiving, to being present for all the major milestones in the lives of each niece, to correcting grammar when warranted. She had a great gift of hospitality and opened her home to many people throughout the years, whether family, friends, or strangers. Her generous heart and keen sense of humor put any guest at ease.

Barb’s memory is lovingly held by her two younger brothers Richard (Kathy) and Stephen Schaefer, her four nieces Anne (Alexander) Beirlant, Emily (Christopher) Muldoon, Mary (Michael) Giles, and Ellen (Andrew) Gallavan, and twelve grandnieces and grandnephews: Gemma Beirlant, Charlie Beirlant, Joseph Beirlant, William Giles, Eleia Giles, Kathleen Giles, Marie Giles, Victoria Muldoon, Kenneth Muldoon, Katherine Muldoon, Cecilia Gallavan, and Robert Gallavan. They will all greatly miss her generous heart, adventurous spirit, and quick smile. She is predeceased by her parents, Hugo and Mary Jo, and her older brother, William.

Barb set an example of perseverance and trust for many around her in the way she faced obstacles and challenges. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 16 years ago and worked diligently to slow the progress of the disease. She navigated her health declines with peaceful acceptance, courage and grace.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, East Lansing Chapel. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, July 16th, from 4:00-8:00pm, with a Prayer Service at 7:00pm. A Mass of Resurrection will take place on Friday July 17th at 10:00am, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church located at 955 Alton Rd, East Lansing. MI 48823. There will also be Visitation at the church one hour prior to the Mass, from 9:00-10:00am.

Memorial donations may be made to InMotion (beinmotion.org/give), Catholic Extension Society (catholicextension.org) or a charity of your choice.