Joan Kay Ballantyne Carlson Schaefer, “Joanie,” passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at her home in Brighton, Colorado.
Joanie Schaefer charmed people all over North Denver with her homemade cookies. She baked almost every night and used her cookies to win supporters for the Adams 12 School District during her years as the Education Foundation Director (1995-2006). She used her cookies to build community, and connect individuals across cultural, political and socioeconomic lines. Joanie was a cheerleader for people, using her infectious enthusiasm to create scholarships, grants, and non-profits. Her work in the community included the Metro North Chamber, Meals on Wheels, CASA, the Adams 12 School District, Front Range Community College, and as the paralegal for Schaefer Law family law practice. Though her community accomplishments were vast, it was her constant love of her family that most defined her. She was a regular attender at her grandkids ball games, cheering them on, learning every players name, and chatting with the refs and fans in the stands. She also loved to “go on an adventure” and though traveled many places, her favorites were going to Utah to visit her daughter and the Oregon coast. Her spunk and high energy level combined with her generosity and service made her a force in her community and in her family. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her husband Dr. Frederick Schaefer, her children Ryan, Dawn, Blake, Sara, Lindsay, Skyler, Meredith and Tobias, and her grandchildren Gavin, Ethan, Lubov, Lexi, Logan, Wyatt, Faith, Jackson, Allison, Austin, Rylee, Luke and Wade.
Joan was born in Portland, Oregon on April 26,1952, the fourth child of Gordon and Sue Ballantyne. Her family lived in the historic neighborhood of Eastmoreland, and she graduated from Cleveland High School in 1970. Joan is also survived by her three older siblings, Kent (76); Karin (73) and Ann (72). After high school she moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University, and then moved to Brighton Colorado in 1972.
Joan will be buried at the Finley-Sunset Hills Cemetery in Portland. All are welcome to join in the livestream service via https://www.facebook.com/FinleySunsetHills on Thursday, July 16th at 11am PST. Joan had such a heart for serving others and connecting with the elderly, and one of her favorite ways to serve was delivering Meals on Wheels. So, in lieu of flowers we would love to have donations made to Senior Hub Meals on Wheels. Donate online at www.seniorhub.org or checks can be sent to: Senior Hub Meals on Wheels 10190 Bannock St Northglenn CO 80260. Please mention “In Memory of Joan Schaefer” with the check or online donation.
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