Eleanor Schafer

Eleanor Louise Schafer Westphalia Eleanor's life began on April 22, 1916, in Westphalia, Michigan, the daughter of Robert Kolp and Theresa Sontag. She was united in marriage to Otto Schafer on June 26, 1937 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Westphalia. God called her to himself on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Eva Schafer in Lansing. Selflessness and thoughtfulness were her trademarks. Her joy was being busy in her kitchen where she enjoyed cooking and baking. She could often be found baking cookies, pies and especially bread to take to someone who was homebound or sick. Eleanor used these skills in the lunchroom at Pewamo-Westphalia Community Schools where she was the cook for many years. During those years she also catered many wedding receptions until her retirement. One of her greatest joys was seeing her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at family gatherings which were always feasts served with love. Eleanor is survived by her children, Rita Schafer, Paul (Eva) Schafer, Martha (Ed) Baldwin, Kathleen (Donald) LaViolette, Suzann VanBlaricom, Mary (John) Peckins, Marvin (Diane) Schafer and Alvin (Jan) Schafer; 28 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Cecilio Reyna at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 22, 2007 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Westphalia. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Sunday at the Westphalia Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia St. The rosary will be prayed at 3 p.m. and a Scriptural Wake Service will be prayed at 8 p.m., Sunday. Memorial contributions may be made to either Sparrow Hospice Service of St. Johns, St. Mary School or the Westphalia Fire Department in Eleanor's name. Online condolences may be made at www.schraubenlehman.com.