Eleanor Grace Schaefer

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Garfield High School

Eleanor Schaefer Obituary

Eleanor Grace (DeBritz) SCHAEFER August 22, 1911 ~ February 28, 2011 El passed away peacefully in West Seattle where she lived since 1937. She was the 4th of 8 children born to Seattle pioneers George & Christine DeBritz, who were from Norway. El attended Leshi, Orcas Island and Garfield High School. She married Roy W. Schaefer in 1935 and their marriage lasted 59 years, until his death in 1994. El's passion was spending time with friends, family and entertaining in her home. Her door was open to all and she helped many elders in her younger days. She cherished her 72 years in her home at Alki Beach. She is dearly missed by her family members who include her sons Roy Schaefer (Randy) and Ron Schaefer (Nancy); grandchildren Jacquie Newhall, Todd Schaefer, Eric Schaefer, Sarah Schaefer and 6 great grandchildren; her brother Roy Debritz, her life-long friend Edith Davoust and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank El's caregivers, Cerise Barber, Lana Plaisant, Sue McRae, Paula Brothers, Nada Naisoro and TLC Arbor Heights for the exceptional home care they gave Mom over the past 3 years. We are greatly indebted to Swedish Hospice for the care and support they provided to El and her family. Viewing and services were held Friday March 4th, at Howden-Kennedy Funeral Home of West Seattle and were followed by a celebration of life luncheon at Salty's on Alki. The family suggests donations to Swedish Hospice in memory of El.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Mar. 3 to Mar. 6, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Eleanor Schaefer

7 Entries

Frances Malone

March 3, 2011

Roy, I remember meeting her at your and Randy's party at the Space Needle and thinking she was your older sister. A remarkable woman. Take comfort in knowing how proud you made her. She couldn't have had a more wonderful son.
Sending love and light to you and your family.

Demeree Schaefer

March 3, 2011

Mark's words couldn't be more accurate - You are so loved and will be missed. El, thanks for being my adopted Grandmother. I love you and will truly miss you. So many fun memories including the Red Dog Saloon, Louis XIII at The Met, and the Canal with Aunt Mae. You have brought love and laughter to so many. I am so glad that you have been a part of my life! Enjoy your swim. Peace and blessings to you!

Cerise Barber

March 3, 2011

As El's caregiver from September 2007 to September 2009, I wanted to reminisce with you all and say how much I enjoyed El. My favorite memory is sitting side by side with her at night in the livingroom. The interior lights would be off and we would look outside at the light sparkling on the water and the beach. I would sit and serenade El with all kinds of music: hymns that she remembered were her mother's favorites from her childhood; 'The Tennessee Waltz', folk songs like 'Down in the Valley' and other songs she enjoyed but that I didn't know really well, like 'Chattanooga Choo Choo' and other WWII songs that I played off of the internet from my laptop. She thought the internet, with its collection of unending music from her era, was marvelous. She would get a big grin on her face when I suggested listening to her favorites. El always enjoyed life as much as she could: she loved getting her hair and nails done, and her day was not complete if she didn't get her favorite earrings on and a nice outfit, whether she was staying home or not. We talked about life, and El impressed me with her bravery, with her 'never give up!' attitude. El is a jewel, shining in heaven.
I love you, El.

Jim Secondiani

March 3, 2011

My condolences to the entire Schaefer/Debritz family. Although I only had the pleasure to meet El on a couple different occasions I know how she could work a room with her personality and warmth. I remember she had a quick wit and great sense of humor and I know she loved her family dearly. She will be missed by many.

Dana Chambers

March 3, 2011

I was so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. Ron, you, Nancy and Sarah have been a part of my life for a long time so I know how hard this is for all of you. My love and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Marji Ranes

March 3, 2011

What a beautiful picture! I heard so much about you from your wonderful son, Roy. Wish we'd had the opportunity to meet. God Speed. Now you're traveling to more wonderful places than you've ever been.

Mark Newhall

March 3, 2011

Such a long life and wonderful family & friends. Thanks for all of your love and kindness to me for so long. Hope you're raising that martini glass in heaven today . . . cheers! You are so loved and will be missed.

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