Mary L. Schafer passed away on March 14th, 2005 at Tacoma Lutheran Home. She had just achieved her 89th birthday. Mother was proud to have been "one of the last of the pioneers". At age 6 she crossed the Continental Divide on a horse drawn move from Montana to Idaho. Her dad drove the covered wagon, while her mother drove the surrey with the little girls aboard. There were many exciting stories of that adventure. She was one of the longest residents of the Fern Hill community, 65 years at the same address. She loved the tall evergreens that she transplanted as seedlings around the perimeter of the yard, including a stately Sequoia, a birthday gift from her sister Ianthe. A registered nurse, she graduated from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in 1938 and was one of their oldest active alumni. She retired from Tacoma General Hospital where she served as a recovery room nurse. She loved the Lakewood Senior Center, where she was an avid woodcarver and oil painter and was also a member of their steering committee.

Preceded in death by her husband George L. Schafer and her infant daughter, she is survived by her children, daughter Sherri Forch (Jim Boedecker) and son Bill Schafer and wife Rose, 4 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She also leaves behind a large extended family, and many caring friends who will long miss her gentle presence. We would like to recognize her friends and family at Point Defiance Village, the wonderful ladies of Franciscan Hospice, and the caring staff at Tacoma Lutheran Home. Heartfelt thanks. HAVE A GOOD TRIP AND SAVE US A PLACE. We love and miss you. Memorial services will be held at South Lake Shore Christian Church, 1740 So 84th St., Tacoma at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 26th. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to South Lake Shore Christian Church. Online condolences at www.tacomamausoleum.com.

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