Mary H Schafer

Mary was born in Charleston South Carolina May 1st 1921to Marie Brooks Folline and William Hazzard Holmes. Her family moved to Bel Air Md., where she later met and married Charles Paul Schafer October 11, 1942 in the Emmanuel Episcopal Church. She had a rich and joyful life, always ready to join in and embraced the best in all things and in all people. She was adventuresome, spirited and had a wonderful happiness about her. Her sense of humor was infectious and her little quips and stories will be remembered by all who had the pleasure to know her.

Her passion was art and she was an accomplished artist in a number of art forms, but her true love was the beautiful art of Sumi-e, Oriental Brush Painting. As the Founder of the Hisshin Chapter of NE Florida, Mary was recently presented with a plaque and luncheon honoring the Chapters 25 year anniversary. Mary wanted a taste of being a Career woman, and had number of successful years in Real Estate while living in Princeton NJ. Charities dear to her heart included her volunteer work as the Chilton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary president for which she was honored in 1983. Church ministries included president of the St. Barnabas Altar Guild, Flower Garden, and delivering flowers to the sick. Her love of spiritual ministry and EFM education continued on with Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Florida, a church and community that she and Paul truly loved and embraced. Throughout her life, family was always her primary focus as a loving wife and mother. She ensured our care and wellbeing, never forgetting to sprinkle in a little fun. She and Paul made a beautiful couple, enjoyed family and friends and lived life to its fullest.

Mary is predeceased by her husband Paul, her mother, father, sister Rachel Holmes Cruzan and many other family and friends who she loved so well. She leaves behind her son Charles P. Schafer Jr. (Linda), Long Neck Delaware. Daughters Ann Marie Schafer Grymes Jacksonville Beach Fl., and Annette Holmes Schafer Bowman (Tom) Senoia Ga. Grandchildren include, C. Paul Schafer III, Suzzanne Cutler, Warren M. Grymes III, James C. Grymes, Stephen J. Bowman, and Clinton T. Bowman;14 great grandchildren along with loving nieces and nephews.

Our family wish to thank Beach House Caregivers, Community Hospice, Dr. Roche Green, friends at Vicars Landing, Celia, her dear friend Dorothy who never forgot, Christ Church, Hisshin Sumi-e Society, and all her loving friends and relatives by whom her memory will stay alive and vibrant.

Arrangements are under the care of Hardage-Giddens Beaches Chapel (904)249-2374. A celebration of Mary’s life well-lived will take place at Christ Church, Ponte Vedra, FL on September 04, 2015 at 11a.m.