Patricia Schaefer Oliff

Patricia (Pippi) Schaefer Oliff

Patricia (Pippi) Schaefer Oliff, 85, of Richmond, Virginia passed away peacefully on Sunday, March, 16, 2025 surrounded by her loving family, following a long journey with dementia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter G. Schaefer, Sr. and Ann Fox Schaefer; her brother, Walter G. Schaefer, Jr.; her brother-in-law, Thomas L. Giovannetti; her son-in-law, William Bradford Kelly and her husband, George A. Oliff.

Patricia is survived by her sister, Ann Giovannetti; her sister-in-law, Anna Schaefer; son, Bryan Oliff (Larisa) of Deltaville, VA; daughters, Denise Kelly, Carey Taylor (John) and Jennifer Jennette (Les), all of Richmond. She cherished her large family and adored her grandchildren, Greg Oliff (Emily), Ashley Folmar (Andrew), Carli Simpson (Mason), Blair Scallion (Nick), Jessica Maurer (Tommy), Warren Kelly, Morgan Abel (John), Brooke and Claire Taylor, Luke, Lily and Burke Jennette; as well as her twelve great-grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews.

Patricia attended Saint Gertrude High School (Class of '57) during which time she met George, "Denny", her husband of 62 years, on a bus headed to a Benedictine football game. They married on July 1, 1961 at St. Paul's Catholic Church and shared a beautifully full life together.

Patricia was a selfless caregiver who devoted herself to her husband, four children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her "Pippi". She doted on her grands and always greeted them with open arms, a "Hi Darlin" and a purse full of candy.

Patricia was a longtime parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and a member of the Catholic Woman's Club and the Salesian Society of St. Francis de Sales. She enjoyed tennis, golf, and vacationing with family and friends in Myrtle Beach, SC. She had a fierce, take charge spirit and was a gracious hostess, always entertaining family and friends with ease. In her final months, she often encouraged those around her to "throw a party" and "raise some Cain".

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the caregivers of Home Instead, St. Mary's Woods, Bellas Hands Home Health Care, and Bon Secours Hospice. We are eternally grateful for Beranie and Margaret, angels on earth, who loved and cared for mom unconditionally.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 3 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 5:30 p.m., Bliley's Central, 3801 Augusta Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, 9505 Gayton Road, Henrico, VA 23229. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 1400 S. Randolph Street, Richmond, VA 23220. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Human Concerns or Saint Gertrude High School, Chapel Campaign.

As we mourn our Pippi's departure from this world, we also celebrate the incredible woman she was, a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished grandmother, and a dear friend to so many who have gone before her. May her spirit forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Bliley's Funeral Home