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Mollie Sylvester Schaffer

1949 - 2025

Mollie Sylvester Schaffer obituary, 1949-2025, Houston, TX

Mollie Schaffer Obituary

Mollie Sylvester Schaffer
06/20/1949 - 07/04/2025
The floodwaters of the Guadalupe River took Mollie Schaffer, 76, on a fatal ride in her beloved sanctuary of Hunt, Texas, in the early morning hours of the 4th of July. Her last act was to ensure that her husband, life partner, and best friend of 58 years, Randy, escaped their sinking car as they sought higher ground. Because of her selflessness, he survived.
Mollie was born to tough-as-nails, Depression Era parents, World War II vet Bob Sylvester ("The Old Soldier"), and no-nonsense nurse Ruth Sylvester ("Ro"). The second of four daughters, Mollie essentially raised her sisters, including a paraplegic older sister, while Bob labored in refineries and Ro worked nonstop at the hospital. Catholic school came to an abrupt end after 8th grade when Mollie declared that she wanted to become a nun, causing Bob and Ro to throw her into public school. That fateful decision would pay off handsomely.
At Westbury High School, Mollie rocked the school with her portrayal of Hedy LaRue in the play, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," and was voted the "Peanutiest" student because of her hyper-friendly, cheerful disposition. She graduated in 1967 and took a summer job at Texas Children's Hospital, where Ro directed the operating rooms. There she caught a precocious Jewish boy stealing a glance. When she asked what he was looking at, he replied, "Your stethoscope." And off they went.
Pregnant by the summer of 1968-with a marriage to Randy thrown in along the way-Mollie courageously ventured to the grimy streets of Philadelphia, where Randy was starting his sophomore year at the University of Pennsylvania. The cheerfully peanuty Mollie worked as a secretary at the university. In February of 1969, Randy III entered the picture, which required Randy to take on a job in which he had to venture into the rural outskirts of Philly to try to sell encyclopedias to illiterate coal miners. In no other story does this marriage last much longer.
By the end of the school year, they were exhausted and broke; Philly had lost what little charm it once promised; and a convent looked pretty good in retrospect. They packed their car and moved to Austin, baby in tow, where Randy rapidly finished college and law school at the University of Texas. Mollie worked as a secretary at the university and raised Randy III. If they had an extra dollar at the end of each month, they would splurge on a bag of Fritos and a can of bean dip. The Austin years produced special, long-lasting friendships. Those folks factor into the end of the story.
Law degree in hand in August 1973, Mollie and Randy returned to Houston for Randy to begin his career as a criminal defense lawyer. He quickly found his footing. Josh came along in 1976, completing a family that would give Mollie a lifetime of joy and deep purpose.
Mollie obtained a bachelor's degree in art history from the University of St. Thomas in 1983. She became the director of art education at the Museum of Fine Arts, where she trained the docents. She next dove into volunteering at St. John's School, where Randy III and Josh were students. Having converted to Judaism years earlier-the ultimate rebellion against her Catholic upbringing-she poured her heart and soul into volunteering at Congregation Beth Israel, where she became vice president of the board. Not bad for a born shiksa.
In 1997, Randy III and Cristina's daughter, Sabina, arrived. Josh and Emily brought Jacob into the world in 2010 and Wyatt in 2013. Sabina, Jacob, and Wyatt were the apple of Mollie's twinkling eyes and the highlight of her life. Her orange hair was easy to spot in the bleachers at Jacob's and Wyatt's ballgames, and she shared a most special bond with Sabina. Mollie treasured every moment with them and regaled her friends with stories of their accomplishments, sweetness, and humor.
But through it all, her union with Randy was her essence. Not the easiest of men-set in his very particular ways-Mollie was thrilled to be along for the ride at every turn. He worked around the clock, but she always received him at home with a hug and a kiss, a homecooked meal, engaging conversation, and an evening of watching TV shows and ballgames or reading books. She suffered by his side through thousands of Rockets, Astros, Oilers, and Rice University games. Few things brought them more happiness than a weeklong trip to New York, where they walked Manhattan top-to-bottom and hit the delis by day and a Broadway play or a ballgame at night. They spent spring breaks in Sarasota, Florida, attending baseball games and walking the beach. No husband could ask for a more loyal companion on such a long ride.
But it was the trips to the Hill Country that they most looked forward to each summer. Their happiest place was a spartan lodge called the River Inn in Hunt that provided the most spectacular swimming and scenery. Randy had gone to Camp Rio Vista down the river and cherished his time there. In 1980, they arranged to reunite with their law school friends at the River Inn, and an annual tradition began. Last week the group met there for the 46th-and last-time.
Mollie spent her final waking moments sitting on the dock by the river with Randy and their friends, showing videos that she had taken of a gourmet meal that 12-year-old Wyatt had cooked for them a few weeks earlier. Off in the distance, lightening illuminated the horizon and thunder slowly rolled. It is ironic that Mollie drew her last breath in a place that had brought her so much joy for almost 50 years.
Mollie joins her parents, Bob and Ruth Sylvester, and her sister, Patricia Holden. Left behind to figure out how to make do without her are Randy, her husband of 57 years; sons Randy III and wife Cristina, and Josh and wife Emily; grandchildren Sabina, Jacob, and Wyatt; brothers-in-law Don and wife Barbie, and Kent and wife Shara; sisters Jamie Hendershot and Robin Moreno; and a handful of nephews and nieces.
Mollie is gone, but her peanuty spirit and joie de vivre will live on and surround us until the end of our days. Mollie will guide Sabina's hand when she performs surgery. Mollie will lift Jacob when he elevates for a jumpshot. Mollie will wrap Wyatt with love when he maneuvers around the kitchen baking and cooking. Mollie will protect Randy III and Josh, her cherished sons. But most of all, Mollie will remain by Randy's side, as she has since the summer of 1967. Mollie, Pookie, Mom, Grandmother, Mo: "We love you more."
After a private burial, there will be a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 N. Braeswood, Houston, Texas 77096. Instead of flowers or food, please consider making a donation to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund or a charity of your choice.

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

Published by Houston Chronicle on Jul. 11, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Mollie Schaffer

Not sure what to say?





Rachael Volz

July 22, 2025

Mollie was the warmest and most welcoming of our clients. She brought so much joy to us and raved about our food and services and kept photos of our foods from party to party. She would write us the most complimentary and kind emails commenting on every detail and staff person. She will be deeply missed and was a true lady inside and out. We love you Mollie!

Billy & Carol Land

July 21, 2025

Grew up around her sister Jamie. May Jehovah keep her in his memory for the time she will be resurrected to life i earth so she can enjoy the Hill Country agsin

Sam and Lindy Dorn

July 15, 2025

We never had the pleasure of meeting Mollie, but we are the 4th owners of a house you once lived in on S Glen Haven. We have lived there almost 10 years and the previous owner left us a folder filled with papers that included plans and receipts for the large addition and renovation you did to the home. Mollie's name is everywhere. When our grandchildren were small they used to love to paint and do arts and crafts projects in Mollie's art studio that had been added as a second floor above the new addition. I'm sure you and your family miss her deeply and we extend our sincerest sympathy to all of you on her tragic death.

Chelle and Bobby Medow

July 15, 2025

Josh, Emily, and Family-
After reading the beautiful and touching synthesis of the world Mollie created, we feel as if we lost a friend. What an inspiring person, wife, mother and grandmother. How strong. How determined. How loving. We are so saddened by your loss. May you find comfort in good memories, your family, and your friends.
Chelle and Bobby Medow

Evelyn Granahan

July 14, 2025

My deepest condolence.

Mike Ware

July 14, 2025

Randy and Josh, I am really sorry that you lost Molly.

Mary Metoyer

July 13, 2025

May she rest in peace

Michael and Katrina Rosen

July 13, 2025

What a memorial service. You did your wife and mother, very very proud.

Baldwin Chin

July 13, 2025

Randy, Josh, and the rest of the Schaffer family,
I wish I would have had the honor and pleasure of meeting Mollie. My deepest condolences on your loss.

Steven Clay

July 13, 2025

I will never forget the first time I met Mrs. Schaffer. Her elegance, grace and sincere kindness is what captured my attention. Like a mother figure to me during a difficult situation. My family and I are forever indebted to you Randy. I send my heart felt condolences out to the entire Schaffer Family. May Mrs. Schaffer´s memory continue to be a blessing...

Jack and Lynda Carnegie

July 13, 2025

Jack and I send our deepest sympathies to you, Randy, and to your entire family. Mollie was a wonderful woman, and I know she will be missed by everyone who knew her

Raymond Goodrich

July 12, 2025

If love could have saved her, she may have lived indefinitely. With love to all who are suffering their loss. Wish I were nearer so I might attend personally. With prayerful support to my team mate and friend,

Rick and Anne Frachtman

July 11, 2025

This has been an unimaginable tragedy. The obituary and Randy's post are a beautiful tribute to Mollie. We send our deepest condolences to Randy and the entire Schaffer family.

Teal Mingledorff

July 11, 2025

"Zichrona livracha." (Hebrew for "may her memory be a blessing").

Annie Hawkins

July 11, 2025

Randy - I am heartsick that we´ve all lost your lovely Mollie. I liked her so much. It doesn´t surprise me to learn she died as she lived, doing for others. She was a great person. I send love to you and your whole family. Annie Hawkins

Judy and Ken Mingledorff

July 11, 2025

Randy and family, Ken and I are so very sorry for your heartbreaking loss. It is unfathomable. We pray for comfort and peace for all of you.

Stobie Whitmore

July 11, 2025

I will ALWAYS picture Mollie with Randy at all those so many games at St.John's. She will be missed but will be in our hearts and memories for sure.

Michael Hoff

July 11, 2025

The most beautiful obituary I've ever read. What a lady. Rest in peace beautiful soul.

LArry MUse

July 11, 2025

A beautiful lady gone too soon! She was a hero and an inspiration to all those that knew her, I'm sure! RIP Mollie!

Mariana Gay Ross

July 10, 2025

To Randy Sr. and the entire family - I am so sorry to hear this news. My father Bill Gay always spoke highly of his dear friends Randy & Mollie and I know that she was loved by all. Sending love from the Gay / Ross family.

Andy Sher

July 10, 2025

So sorry for your loss

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Mariana Gay and Family

Planted Trees

Linda Hanson

July 10, 2025

Randy, I seen my sincere condolences to you and your family in the loss of your wife and mother Mollie. My prayers are for you and your family at this time. Linda Hanson

Randy Schaefer

July 10, 2025

That´s a thoughtful and heartfelt message-if you´re planning to send it to the Schaefer family or post it somewhere meaningful, here´s a slightly polished version that maintains your warmth and sincerity while improving clarity and flow:



Message Draft:

I don´t know y´all all that well, though I loosely grew up playing basketball with Josh. But being named Randy, I´ve always been confused with your family over the years. Just last Saturday, someone asked me again about my "family," and I immediately thought of you all and knew you must´ve been affected by the floods.

I´m so sorry to hear what you´re going through. I´ve been holding it heavily in my heart. Please say hello to Josh for me-and as a fellow Schaefer, I want to send my deepest condolences and love to your whole family.

Terri Ballantyne

July 10, 2025

I feel so fortunate to have enjoyed many special occasions/celebrations and many ordinary get togethers with our husbands over the last 20 years when I first met Mollie. Mollie was one of my favorite people, always kind, always gracious, always beautiful in every way. I was looking forward to so many more of those get togethers for the next 20 years at least. I will miss and love Mollie forever. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Jay Karahan

July 10, 2025

We keep Randy, children and the entire Schaffer extended family in our hearts, and may Mollie rest in peace and her family memory always be for a blessing.

Marcia Fiman

July 10, 2025

Keith and I along with Alex and Drew send our deepest sympathies to the whole Schaffer family. We are so saddened by this tragedy and know she will be deeply missed. May her memory be a blessing. Marcia Fiman

Kelly Bethel

July 10, 2025

My deepest condolences Randy III. To you and to the rest of your family. You are in my thoughts

Jay Karahan

July 9, 2025

Dear Randy and Josh, please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of your dear Mollie. May her memory always be for a blessing. We hold your family in our hearts today and always.

Lea Goodman

July 9, 2025

Randy, I am so sorry that you have lost such a lovely and faithful companion. I guess she died the way she lived. Thinking of all of you.

Jay and Catherine Burnett

July 9, 2025

Our wish is that Mollie Memories will bring you peace and comfort now and far into the future

Jack Zimmermann

July 9, 2025

Ilene and I are with you in spirit now, Randy. We love you and loved Mollie. Both of you are considered dear friends, and great people. Ilene and Jack

Jutta Preston

July 9, 2025

Randy and family, my heart is with all of you during this difficult time! I remember Mollie as a very warm and kind person!

Jules Laird and Denise Oncken

July 9, 2025

To Randy and his family, Denise and Jules are greatly saddened by the loss of your lovely wife. She will be remembered by her acts to all those who knew her and her kindness shines on to the hands of God

Travis Wallace

July 9, 2025

Beautifully written obituary. From reading it I feel I got to know her a little. She sounds like the greatest Wife,Mom, Grandmother a family could ever have! I know she will be watching over the family as she has for many years.

Cicelyn Santoro

July 9, 2025

I´ll never forget when Cristina brought me to Houston to meet Randy Sr. and Mollie. The moment I met Mollie, she wrapped me in the warmest hug, and I just knew what a special person she was.
At family gatherings, I looked forward to seeing her. Mollie had this glow about her, just pure sunshine. Her warmth, grace, and beauty radiated. Her absence will be deeply felt.

Diane Lohr Wilson

July 9, 2025

Mollie was one of my architect husband Tom Wilson's favorite clients. He talked about her a lot, especially her warmth and enthusiasm. He even recommended that I look into a brand of clothing that she favored!
Tom died in 2019, but
his enjoyment of working with Mollie and Randy left an impression on me. Diane Wilson

Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results

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Memorial Events
for Mollie Schaffer

Jul

13

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Congregation Beth Israel

5600 N. Braeswood Blvd., Houston, TX 77096

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