Memorial

Mary Louise Schaefer, 72 of Marion, Iowa passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Private graveside services will be observed at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.  A public celebration of life will be held on a later date.  

Mary was born on August 22, 1950, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of William and Virginia (Crew) Burton.  She attended and graduated from Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, IA.  Mary was united in marriage to Jerry Schaefer on April 28, 1973, in Cedar Rapids, IA.  She was employed at Transamerica as a compliance officer and retired after 39 years of service.  Mary earned the respect and admiration from her fellow administration staff for always helping new associates learn their skills.  After retiring, Mary loved volunteering at the local hospital and Compassus.

Mary was known for handpicking special cards for family and friends and making handwritten calendars during the holidays.  She enjoyed getting her nails done, country music, reading books, anything red, and her pets.  Mary loved traveling and had many amazing vacations with family and friends.  She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend and she left us with many, many happy memories.  She loved her family more than anything else.  

Mary is survived by her husband of 49 years, Jerry of Marion, IA; four sons, Jeff (Helene) Schaefer of Bedford, TX; Todd (Carol) Schaefer of Gilbert, AZ; Kevin (Tamara) Winn of Hiawatha, IA; and Calvin (Holly) Schaefer of Chandler, AZ; three grandchildren, Matt (Heather) Schaefer, Brandon (Hannah) Schaefer, and Lexa Winn; two great-grandchildren, Parker Schaefer and Valerie Schaefer due in March; two brothers, Richard (Jan) Burton of FL; and Robert (Deborah) Burton of PA; and many loving extended family members and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the AZ Happy Tails: http://happytailsaz.org/donate/