Janet U. Schaefer

Janet "Jan" (Udall) Schaefer, beloved wife, aunt, and friend passed
away on February 10, 2022 in Peterborough, NH. She was 89 years
old.
Described as kind, gentle, and gracious, Janet devoted her life to
helping others. Her generosity of spirit was legendary.
She was born to Richard M. and Alma (Underwood) Udall in Gardner, MA, graduated from
Central High School in Valley Stream, NY where her father was Superintendent, and earned an
Arts and Science degree from Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH in 1952.
Janet worked at the architectural firm, Eggers and Higgins, in Manhattan. She served as
president of the New York Chapter of the Architectural Secretaries Association. While working
on the 1964 World's Fair Schaefer Center, Janet met her future husband, Rudolph J. Schaefer,
Jr., president and chairman of F. & M. Schaefer Brewing Company. Retiring in 1967, Janet was a
devoted wife, establishing residence in Mamaroneck, NY for twenty-seven years.
Her many volunteer activities included developing the New Rochelle hospital gift shop and
helping design the Schaefer Maritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport. She was president of the
Embroiderers Guild of America Inc, Westchester County Chapter and maintained fellowship at
Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church for several decades. She brought 'grace and strength' in her
six years volunteering for Hospice of Westchester.
Janet collaborated with her husband, Rudy-an avid sailor, two-time commodore of the
Larchmont Yacht Club, and maritime art collector-on the J.E. Buttersworth: 19th Century
Marine Painter, published in 1975 (2nd edition, 2009). Much of her Buttersworth collection was
gifted to the Mariner's Museum, Newport News, VA and Mystic Seaport.
After Rudy's death in 1982, Janet moved to Hancock, NH for eighteen years. She was a member
of the Monadnock Garden Club and served on the Sharon Arts Board of Trustees.
Janet was inducted into the Colby-Sawyer Legends Society in 2005 for her extraordinary support
of the Arts Center, the Udall Endowed Scholarship, and the Janet U. Schaefer Memorial Fund. In
2015, she was awarded the school's highest honor of the Susan Colgate Cleveland Medal for
Distinguished Service award.
Janet's thoughtful and pragmatic approach has inspired many. When asked about her generous
spirit, she replied, "I've been given so much, I think it is right to help others."
Janet is predeceased by her brother, Dr. Richard P. Udall, of Glens Falls, NY in 2011.

She is survived by her nephew, Jeffrey (Linda) Udall of Northampton, MA/The Villages, FL,
Melissa Stockholm (Robin Decker) of Ferrisburgh, VT and Carin (Charlie) Scalva of Durango, CO;
her grandnephews and grandnieces, John Tompkins (Rebecca Lorenz) of NY, Erica Udall of CA,
Daniel (Keely) Scalva of CO, and Jennifer (Tyson) Runyan of NM; her beloved sister-in-law, Lois
Udall and daughter-in-law, Jane (Isdale) Schaefer of Stonington, CT; her cousins, Cathy (Eric)
Meerbergen of NC, and Abigail (Lewis) Wendell of NY and families; and long-time and devoted
friend, Patrice (Skye) Albright, NH.
Please make any memorial gifts to: Janet U. Schaefer Memorial Fund at Colby-Sawyer College .