Dorothy Maurine Schaffer

Dorothy Maurine Schaffer, known to her family and friends as Maurine, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, at the remarkable age of 97. A beloved matriarch and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Maurine was a strong-willed woman whose sharp wit and fiery spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Born in Plant City, Florida in 1928 to Robert Franklin "Coot" Wilson Sr. and Minnie Lee Wilson, Maurine was preceded in birth by her brother, Robert Franklin Wilson Jr., who passed before she was born. She graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1946. From 1946 to 1948, Maurine lived in Tallahassee, Florida, where she attended Florida State College for Women, even voting on the new school mascot when the campus became Florida State University. She moved to Orlando, where she earned a nursing degree from and worked at Orange Memorial Hospital. It was there that she met and married George Gilbert Schaffer, Sr. Maurine and George were married for 72 inspiring years. They spent nearly seven decades building a life in Brooksville-planting deep roots and forming lasting friendships-and, in their later years, moved to Tallahassee. Their partnership was the foundation of a strong and loving family. Maurine worked as an RN at Lykes Memorial Hospital and Head Start. She also volunteered at Brooksville Regional Hospital and was a member of the Junior Service League. She worked at Roger's Christmas House for 20 years and was an enthusiastic bridge player, participating in her ladies' group for over 50 years. She cherished time with her friends and loved hosting in her home. She and George went on many adventures to explore new places; they enjoyed camping, taking bus and train trips, and participating in Elderhostel travel programs. These journeys took them to destinations like Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and beyond. A true pillar of her family, Maurine was a woman of strong opinions and clear convictions, and she passed that legacy on to the next generations. She is survived by her three devoted children, Teresa Morris (Jim), Janice Scholz (Tom), and George Schaffer, Jr. (Rhonda). She was a proud grandmother to Jimmy Morris (Beth), Tamera Scholz (JP Rabbah), and Kendra Scholz, and a loving great grandmother to Trace Morris. Maurine's greatest happiness came from spending time with family and friends, celebrating holidays, accomplishments, and everyday moments. She loved spending summers making memories with her grandchildren, taking them on camping trips and beating them at cards. Whether sharing in the joys of her loved ones or sharing stories around the table over coffee, Maurine lived a life filled with grace, curiosity, and love. Her unwavering presence and wisdom will be deeply missed. A service will be held at Tallahassee National Cemetery on Tuesday, October 7, at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Ronald McDonald House or another chosen charity. Dayne Parker of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com (http://www.bevisfh.com/)). Maurine's love for her family and friends was unmatched. Her legacy lives on in the strong, spirited family she helped shape and in the many people whose lives she touched over nearly a century of life.