Mary Webb Schaefer

Passed away peacefully on June 5, 2022 in Riverside at the age of 95 years old. Born in Davenport, New York on June 27, 1926. Loving daughter of Albert and Rebecca Webb and Alexander and Mary MacArthur. Mary graduated from Old Riverside Poly, attended Pomona College, and graduated from University of California at Santa Barbara. Mary received her Master’s degree from the University of LaVerne, Irvine.

Mary married Gene Schaefer on August 12, 1978, and they celebrated their 41st anniversary prior to his death. She taught kindergarten for thirty-six years including teaching in Huntington Beach, California, the Air Force School in Wiesbaden, Germany, and in Juneau, Alaska. She touched the hearts of many children, including her three stepchildren, nieces, nephews, and their children. In addition to her passion for teaching Mary enjoyed reading, sharing her love for books with her extended family. Prior to moving back to Riverside, Mary lived in Laguna Beach. She had fun hosting many of her nieces over spring break and introducing them to the arts which included trips to Museums, the LA Philharmonic, Pageant of the Masters, and the Sawdust Festival. After leaving the classroom she enjoyed traveling to many wonderful destinations with family and friends. Her trips were many which included locations in Africa, Antarctica, Australia, Peru, Europe, and Russia, covering all continents. Mary became a docent, along with her sister Helen, at the Mission Inn where she was a longtime member and supporter. Mary was an animal lover and supporter of the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center as well as the U.C.R. Botanical Gardens.

Mary had an amazing imagination, a positive and uplifting personality which brought happiness to those around her. She will be remembered for her kind heart, generosity, fun-loving nature, bright spirit, and never-ending smile.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband Gene Schaefer and 6 brothers, Hubert Webb, Ernest Webb, Hebbard MacArthur, Paul MacArthur, John MacArthur, and Seth MacArthur and sister-in-law Diane Webb. Survivors include her sister, Helen, stepchildren Cathy, Steve, and John, along with two granddaughters, and Sister-in-laws Irene and Beth. Mary is survived by 17 nieces, 7 nephews, and many loving great-nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews. Mary is also survived by her loveable Great Pyrenees dog Freya and cat Curly Tail.