Anna Lou Aaroe Schaberg

1944 - 2025

Anna Lou Aaroe Schaberg

January 5, 1944 - July 31, 2025

Anna Lou, 81, left this world on July 31st knowing she had lived a wonderful life. Her mother worried that she was a dreamer, and it was true that she had dreams. But over time, she discovered that with planning and persistence, she could make some of her dreams come true.

It began in Charlottesville, on Jan. 5, 1944. Anna Lou grew up in Richmond's west end, attended Randolph-Macon Woman's College and earned a B.S. and an M.Ed. from Virginia Commonwealth University. She started her family and career in her early twenties. She taught with Richmond Public Schools and in 1977 became their Coordinator of Programs for Gifted. Anna Lou thought it was the perfect job. She hired a talented team of teachers, and together they built the Special Program for Academic and Creative Excellence (SPACE). Over 23 years she planned summer programs, special events, staff development, and co-chaired the planning for the Maggie Walker Governor's School.

Anna Lou had a life-long interest in the community. She participated in the Leadership Metro Richmond (LMR) class of '82 and joined the Richmond First Club where she co-chaired Visions 2020, a future thinking day. More importantly, at Richmond First she met Bob Schaberg. By the second date she knew he was the one. They married in 1986. It was a great romance. They filled their home with family and friends, had wonderful adventures, and in time, built a partnership around philanthropy.

In 1990, they formed a foundation called the Bob and Anna Lou Schaberg Foundation. When Anna Lou retired in 2000, she began its grant and gift programs. The foundation's mission is to support organizations that help all populations to thrive. Anna Lou met with nonprofit leaders to develop a comprehensive picture of community services. She encouraged collaborations and started initiatives helping to build systems of support for affordable housing, workforce development, and children's educational success. The foundation is currently engaged with over 95 nonprofits in the greater Richmond area. For Anna Lou and Bob, it has been a joyful partnership and the crowning work of their lives.

Anna Lou had her father's gift for enjoying life. She was thoughtful and yet lighthearted. She loved sunsets, surprises, silly jokes and cookie dough. A book was never far away, and she was devoted to her garden. Friends were dear, and she treasured a long lunch with them. She took boundless joy in her son and three grandchildren and found ways to grow up with them over the years. Always an optimist, she believed in people and ideas. Despite her adventuresome soul, Anna Lou lived in the same zip code for over 65 years. Fortunately, she and Bob were able to travel.

Anna Lou is survived by her beloved husband, Robert W. Schaberg; her talented son, Andrew Alden Willett; handsome grandsons, Carson Kirby Willett and Parker Davis Willett; and darling granddaughter, Lila Dell Leveritt, all of Asheville, N.C.; as well as her husband's loving extended family: sister Lynsie Miller, nieces Jennifer Waldbauer, Emily Cooper, Carolyn Bishop, Molly Locke, nephew Drew M,iller and their families. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Karen Willett Leveritt and parents, Edna Kirby Aaroe and Alden Petersen Aaroe.

A visitation for Anna Lou will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Bliley's Funeral Home, 3801 Augusta Avenue in Richmond. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday August 5, 2025, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 815 E. Grace Street, Richmond. A private burial will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers, she suggested that you plant a tree or make a gift to the charity of your choice.

Bliley's Funeral Home

3801 Augusta Ave.