Our dear mother, Johanna Elizabeth (Marchand) Schaefer, ‘Bette’, of Traverse City, formerly of Dearborn, entered into eternal life on Friday, March 29, 2024, with family by her side.
An extraordinary mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Bette was born on May 19, 1928, in Detroit to the late John and Theresa Marchand.
She was born and raised on the east side of Detroit, and attended the University of Detroit. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and one sister.
Bette met the love of her life, Richard Matthew Schaefer, in 1950 while working as a stenographer in Detroit. They married in 1951 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. They enjoyed over 50 years of marriage before Richard sadly passed away in 2005. Surviving Bette are her 8 children: Suzanne Schaefer (Paul) Summa, Linda Schaefer ( Jim Foster), Mary Jo (Calvin) Lounds, Robert (Kiersten) Schaefer, Judy (Todd) Johnson, Nancy Schaefer (Rob Serbin), Patty (Mark) Matheson, Annie (Tim) Schultz. Infant son, Jeffrey, preceded her in death in 1958. Bette was blessed with 23 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
A devoted wife and mother, Bette was a stayat- home mom while the children attended St. Anselm Catholic School in Dearborn Heights. Bette’s career with the Michigan Public School System started when she became the school crossing guard. She went on to work at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn in the Financial Aid Office, she then advanced to managing the Physical Education Department.
Bette had a green thumb and loved caring for her flowers. She was an amazing card shark, playing bridge and euchre. She was a competitive golfer, completed the daily crossword puzzle, and taught water aerobics at Cedar Creek Commons in Traverse City where she lived for the past 20 years. She lived a strong, healthy life alone and independently until her health declined just 3 months ago. Bette and her kids enjoyed many rounds of 5CROWNS with Bette winning most of the time. Richard and Bette enjoyed traveling, stopping to play golf at courses along the way. Bette aced a hole in one, and prevailed as the proud champion for multiple years in her women’s golf leagues. She was an active volunteer for 20 years at St. Francis Catholic Church. All those who knew and loved Bette are welcome to visit with Bette’s family on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., with the Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m., at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49684.
A Catholic funeral mass honoring Bette will take place on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 12:30 p.m., with visitation starting one hour prior, at St. Francis Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express their sympathy may consider a donation to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy, STE 3325, Traverse City, MI 49684, or The Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, Michigan, 49221.
Please share memories and condolences with Bette’s family on her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com
