Obituary: Grace M. Schaefer of North Branford

Information and photo via Keenan Funeral Home

Grace M. Schaefer of North Branford passed away on November 3, 2018 at the age of 81. She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Otto E. Schaefer, her son Matthew A. Schaefer (Robin) of Avon CT and daughter Marlene G. Rotering (Steve) of Windham NH, as well as four grandchildren (Chris, Caroline, Mark and Grace) and stepsister Robin Gengaro. She was predeceased in death by her parents and a son, Mark E. Schaefer.

Grace was a graduate of Saint Joseph College and earned advanced degrees from Quinnipiac University and Southern Connecticut State University. Over a 35 year span, she was a clinical and classroom nursing instructor for the Hospital of Saint Raphael, Quinnipiac University, and Southern Connecticut State University, among others, where she helped train countless healthcare professionals and met many of her dearest and loyal friends.

Grace was a strong proponent of education, for which she provided encouragement and support to many, and early on taught CCD. She is also remembered for her unfailing devotion to sending cards and gifts to celebrate holidays, birthdays and anniversaries of family and friends, godchildren, and so many others who knew her as "Aunt Grace." She found simple joys in life through entertaining, dinner parties, cooking, crocheting and embroidery.

Funeral arrangements are being overseen by Keenan Funeral Home, 330 Notch Hill Rd (Rt. 22), North Branford, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Xavier High School (memo: Mark Schaefer Scholarship Fund), 181 Randolph Road, Middletown, CT 06457.