Mrs. Eva Schaefer (nee Marshall), age 96, passed away peacefully with family by her side at Pioneer Ridge this Sunday, May 8th (Mother’s Day). Born in Fort William, ON on April 29, 1920, Eva was the second child of Alfred and Agnes Marshall, immigrants from England and Scotland respectively. Eva attended Central School, Fort William Vocational School, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, was a devoted member of the Good Companions Bible Class and International Order of Foresters.
In her youth, Eva enjoyed bowling, biking, dancing, swimming and camping at church camp with the Bible class gang. She told wonderful stories of their exploits. When older brother Cecil went to war overseas, Eva stayed home with her Mom and worked.
Eva married George Schaefer in 1947, gave birth to daughter Donna, the family moved to Saskatoon, added daughter Jean, moved to Assiniboia, Prince Albert, Kenora and back to Eva’s home in Fort William. She lived with her brother Cecil on Franklin Street from 1965 until his death in 2007, and stayed in the house until February 2016.
Eva’s working career included clerical work at Manitoba Pool, Abitibi Mission Mill, Industrial Finance, Prenovost’s Pharmacy in Assiniboia, SK, sewing and selling petit point pictures in Prince Albert, SK, White’s Drug Store and the Fort William Curling Club. Eva was foremost known for her role as Secretary of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church from 1967 to 1992, with Dr. Agnew H Johnston.
Eva enjoyed knitting, crocheting, petit point, reading, walking, playing piano, cards, games, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, Yahtzee, and computer Mah-Jongg. Crocheted afghans were given to family and friends to treasure. She had a great sense of humour, enjoyed crime shows, British comedies, game shows, Sunday outings for coffee and the occasional beer at the Stanley Hotel.
Eva was predeceased by father Alfred Marshall, mother Agnes Robson Marshall, husband George Schaefer, close friend Ross Weedon and loving brother Cecil Marshall.
Eva will be dearly missed by daughters Donna Laughton (Graham), Jean Mirowski, grandchildren Allyson Kirchner, Heather Laughton, Stacey Mirowski, Stephen Mirowski and 7 great grandchildren.
Visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, May 11 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Jenkens Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 13 at 1:00 pm at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church led by Rev. Joyce Yanishewski, with reception and interment at Mountain View Cemetery to follow.
Donations may be made to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Northern Cancer Fund or the charity of one’s choice.
