The family of Elizabeth Schafers, formerly of Morinville, is saddened to announce her passing on Feb 11, 2021 at the age of 92 years.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Bill (Cathy), Louise (Glen), George (Nancy), Mary (Jens), Fred (Silvia), Jim, Tom (Lyndi) and Lawrence (Angie); grandchildren: Lee and Stacy; Kerry, Neil and Barbra; Spencer, Katherine, Joseph, Lisa and Garrett; Blake, Grant and Kurt; Nicole and Danielle; Glen, Elisabeth, Isaac, Joshua and Evan; Ethan and Nathaniel; 16 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Dena, Tillie, Bill (Laura), Robert (Lillian), John (Judi), Rose-Marie, Mary, Jim (Ruby), Paul (Mary-Pat), Donald (Darlynne); sister-in-law, Jean; as well as numerous relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Alois (1991), first born daughter (1953); parents, Fred and Olga; brothers, Fred and Ernie, sister-in-law Katherine (August); brother-in-law, Lawrence and daughter-in-law, Eileen.
Mom loved to spend time with her family and extended family and friends. She was like a grandma to many of her nieces and nephews. She will always be remembered for welcoming everyone and her ability to produce a feast in minutes.
She is also remembered for her baking, flower gardens, sewing and rug making.
Due to COVID – 19 restrictions, a Private Family Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2021, with a Private Funeral Liturgy at 1:00 p.m., Friday, February 19, 2021. To View the Live Webcast of the Funeral please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the Youville Home. Your care and support for Mom will always be remembered. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to Youville Home, 9A St. Vital Ave., St. Albert, AB, T8N 1K1 or charity of one’s choice.
Mona Foster says
To all of Elizabeth’s family,
So sorry for the loss of your mom and sister.
She was a wonderful kind woman. May she rest in peace.
Mona Foster
Mary Petersen says
Dear Mona,
Thank you so much for the message of sympathy for the loss of our Mom, Grandma, and sister. It means a lot to know that people care.
The Schafers and Bokenfohr families
Jeannette Filthaut says
My sympathy and prayers are with all of the Bokenfohr family at the recent loss of Elizabeth. May you embrace the memories you hold dear of Elizabeth’s long presence with this loving family.
I will always remember Elizabeth and her heart-warming, welcoming smile.
Blessings, Jeannette Filthaut SP
Mary Petersen says
Dear Jeannette,
Thank you so much for the expression of sympathy for our loss. She will be missed.
The Schafers and Bokenfohr families
Roswitha Schmitt-Blouin says
To the Schafers and Bokenfohr families my deepest sympathy.
Elizabeth was very special to me, we shared precious moments together. We also share two beautiful grandsons, Ethan and Nathaniel. I feel blessed to have Lawrence in our family and privileged to attend many special functions of the two families.
Elizabeth, you will always hold a special place in my heart.
Roswitha
( Angie’s Mom )
Mary Petersen says
Dear Roswitha,
Thank you so much for the lovely message of condolence for Mom’s passing. We know she really enjoyed your company and the occasions we all enjoyed together. Thanks for being such a good friend to her.
The Schafers and Bokenfohr families
Susan Patterson says
Auntie Elizabeth was always so welcoming. The best hostess. She was so loving and giving. We never left her house without a loaf of bread and buns. We were part of holiday celebrations with her family. She set me up with dahlias for my flower garden when I had my first place. She let us ‘help her’ make us rag rugs. She was sooo very very special to me. I loved hearing all her stories about her trips to Germany and seeing all her wonderful pictures. It was so inspiring to see how much she loved her husband Alois, and then missed him after he was gone. I imagine them reunited now which is a comfort.
Mary Petersen says
Dear Susan,
Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful memories and feelings you have of Mom. She was such a giving, generous person and took care of everyone. We will all miss being surrounded by her love.
The Schafers family
Kathy Johnson. says
Schafers and Bokenfohr families. My deepest sympathy to all of you. I have so many great memories of the special times Elizabeth and I had together. Going through old Papers of our grandparents an her Mom { aunty Olga.} Made her stay overnite because we visited to long.The many times Alois and her would come to mom an Dads. or just stop in here and visit . The times we stopped for a visit with Her and Alois..
Going to miss you
Love Kathy and Garry Johnson.
Mary Petersen says
Dear Kathy and Garry,
Thank you for the message of sympathy and sharing your memories of Mom and Dad. They loved to go and visit people and talked of their visits when they came home.
The Schafers and Bokenfohr families
Rita Kochling says
Our condolences to all the family she was a very special lady, always the most welcoming when we visited. Our prayers are with you. Gus & Rita Kochling.
Mary Petersen says
Dear Gus and Rita,
Thank you very much for the expression of sympathy and for the prayers. She really enjoyed the visits you shared with her. We remember her talking about them.
The Schafers and Bokenfohr families
Larry Schmidek says
Condolences are with all the families of Elizabeth. It was always very enjoyable when Alois and Elizabeth came down to visit. One trip that stands out in my mind is when they came and stayed at mom and dads and the next day we all went to the Olds Plowing match at the Olds College. We all had an amazing time. Rest In Peace cousin.
Mary Petersen says
Dear Larry,
Thank you for the message of sympathy and sharing some memories of Mom and Dad. They loved to go and visit and talked about their visits when they were home again.
The Schafers family
Anna Vollmer says
Sorry to hear of the passing of Elizabeth. Spent a lot of time when I was growing up at the Bokenfohr house. Also enjoyed meeting Elizabeth after her marriage to Alois. She was a very loving and giving person. May she rest in peace.
Mary Petersen says
Dear Anna,
Thank you for the sympathies extended to our families. It means a lot to know that people cared.
The Shafers and Bokenfohr families
Judy Schafers says
Never to be forgotten (her smile). The legacy our loved ones leave in our hearts and the difference they made in our lives will be with us always. Thinking of your Family with Deepest Sympathy.
Mary Petersen says
Dear Judy,
Thank you so much – we will miss her smile too. Your sympathies warm our hearts and our loved ones stay in our hearts always. Many memories with your family visiting back and forth.
The Schafers family
Tony and Brenda Rustemeier says
Our condolences to the Schafers family. Mrs. Schafers was a kind and a gracious lady. We were fortunate to have known her.
Mary Petersen says
Dear Tony and Brenda,
Thank you for your message of condolence. Our Mom will be missed – such a loving lady.
The Schafers family
Grace Bokenfohr says
These are the memories I have of the wonderful person that Auntie Elizabeth was:
-a fantastic hugger, always enthusiastic and like a bear
-bustling around the kitchen filled with people of all ages and with her getting food from the stove to the table where there was always room for one more
-her laughing (and semi-crying) when she would go to the freezer and find that the butter tarts she had made not long ago were now GONE!
-serving up the absolute best ice cream in the world by far–I still can not really find one to compare
-delicious buns that she lovingly made and would be sure to send home with you too
-always making a place for one more stray person at Christmas or any other event and feeling like one of the family
-the great pride she had in sharing all the photos over the years, especially ones from the early days that we kids would not recall
-setting up for the making of one of her unique rugs and then getting to take one home too.
These are just a few of the numerous things that come to mind. She will be sorely missed.
Shirley Bokenfohr says
I have the same happy memories of Aunt Elizabeth. How lucky you were to be there on the day she made doughnuts! Her lovely rugs, it was such fun to help to make one. She always made you feel so special. I will always carry happy memories of her in my heart.
Mary Petersen says
Dear Shirley,
Thank you so much for the reminder of the special lady our Mom was. Your Mom was so great too – her special banana squares and brownies and assorted other squares and cookies(she loved trying new recipies). We are all very lucky to come from such a loving family and the effort they made so we would all be close. Mom will be missed.
The Schafers family
Mary Petersen says
Dear Grace,
Thank you so much for the lovely tribute and memories of Mom. She definitely was an amazing person. It baffles me to this day how she could make enough food appear for whoever showed up. I know the logistics and helped with it, but she made it happen and seemingly without much effort! The rugs and blankets she made! We were thinking about it. We all have quite a few, our kids, cousins, friends, neighbours, and people overseas as well. I can’t even imagine how many there are!
Thank you from the Schafers family
Alois und Anny Schafers mit Familie says
Herzliche Anteilnahme zum Tod eurer lieben Mutter und Großmutter.
Wir haben Elisabeth seit Ihrem Deutschlandbesuch in guter Erinnerung. Sie war ein so liebenswerter Mensch. Möge Sie ruhen in Gottes heiligen Frieden.
Mary Petersen says
Dear Alois and Anny,
Thank you for your message of condolence. She often talked of their visit to Germany and how much they enjoyed it. They had so much joy in meeting the relatives there and how they were welcomed.
We will all miss her, but she is with our Dad now.
Regards,
The Schafers family
Rosemarie Kluthe says
Please accept our sincere condolences for the passing of you mom. I remember how pleasant and friendly she always was and the delightful visits my mom enjoyed with her after church services.
Regards,
Rosemarie Kluthe
Mary Petersen says
Hello Rosemarie,
Thank you so much for the expression of sympathy to our family. She will be missed, but all these messages of how much our Mom was loved and appreciated help a lot.
The Schafers family
Brenda and Gary Short says
To Bill and family. So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Our condolences to you.
Mary Petersen says
Hello Brenda and Gary,
Thank you very much for the message of condolence. We appreciate it very much.
The Schafers family
Tom and Jadwiga Overwater says
Our condolences to the Schafers and Bokenfor families.
For the few times we got to meet Mrs. Schafers she was always happy and welcoming. We have some of her handiworks that we will treasure and think of her when we use them. I got to know her sons and daughters more during the last few years and they have so much respect for her. It is nice to see such a close family.
May her soul rest in peace and we will her in our prayers.
Mary Petersen says
Dear Tom and Jadwiga,
Thank you so much for the message of sympathy. It is really nice to hear how many people her life affected and how much she was appreciated.
Regards,
The Schafers family
Michael Patterson says
I’m so sorry Schafer cousins for your loss. Your mom lived a long and productive life and made an impact on the lives of many others. Auntie Elizabeth was always warm and kind to me on our many visits to the farm. I recall her teaching me how to pick peas, carrots, beans and strawberries in the gigantic garden in front of the house, watching her make wonderfully hearty and comforting meals from the produce of the farm, laughing over lively conversation around the table, and taking out the slops to the pigs after dinner. I do miss those days – they were some of the best times of my life and I am grateful to have shared them with you and your mom.
Mary Petersen says
Dear Michael and family,
Thank you for the very nice letter of sympathy and the memories. She loved to have family around and loved to have the opportunity to feed people or give people things she had made. Mom was a very special, loving, and giving person. She always had your family picture up in her room with all of ours. Just know you were special to her too!
Regards,
The Schafers family
Mary Bokenfohr says
My sister, Elizabeth, whom I loved and who helped me learn so many things about love and life. Elizabeth was a wonderful older sister who loved me, and who I loved in return. I miss her greatly!
Mary Petersen says
Dear Aunty Mary,
Thank you for the note – we are going to miss her too. We really appreciate all the visits and little gifts – we know you spent a lot of time with her while she was in the Youville and when she was at the farm. She was the most loving person we knew and she was so giving of herself and everything she had.
All our love,
The Schafers family
Carolyn and Wayne Beswatherick says
Our deepest condolences to the families. Thinking of you all as you remember and celebrate your mother’s remarkable life. Remembering so many wonderful moments when we visited the farm – a table that always had room for guests, the smell of fresh buns and bread, a wonderful garden that produced giant, sweet carrots, and most especially Mrs. Schafers’ welcoming smile and hugs!
Mary Petersen says
Dear Carolyn and Wayne,
Thank you so much for the message of sympathy for our family. It is comforting to have people share their memories of her and it brings memories back to us of all the good times at home. Mom was always welcoming people in and feeding them! It made for an extended family!
The Schafers family
Susan Schafers says
Sending my condolences to the entire Schafer & Bokenfohr families. She was a wonderful woman and loving mother-in-law. I have many fond memories being around the kitchen with her. Sending prayers and hugs to you all.
Mary Petersen says
Dear Susan,
Thank you for your message of sympathy to our families. She gave of her love and time so generously. What a wonderful role model for all of us. She so enjoyed having family visits and feeding everyone.
Hugs to you too,
The Schafers and Bokenfohr families
Louise Groves says
One of the greatest gifts anyone can give is to make others feel truly special in their presence. Auntie always did that. My deepest sympathy.
Mary Petersen says
Dear Louise,
Thank you so much for the message of sympathy and that expression of what Mom was like. She did make everyone feel special in her presence. We appreciate how much she touched people’s lives.
The Schafers family
Louise Groves says
One of the greatest gifts anyone can give is to make others feel truly special in their presence. Auntie always did that. My deepest sympathy.
Sincerely, Fred and Betty Kaup says
To the Schafer and Bokenfohr families.
We offer our sympathy to you all at the loss of Elizabeth. She, without a doubt was one of the most Christlike persons we have ever known, and we consider it an honour to have known her. Our hearts are gladdened to know that she is now reaping the rewards of a life well lived!
Mary Petersen says
Dear Fred and Betty,
Thank you so much for the expression of sympathy to our families. She loved people and always gave the best of herself. We are happy she is with Dad and her baby girl in heaven. She always enjoyed visiting you and having visits at the farm.
The Schafers and Bokenfohr families.
Nicolette Babiak says
Mary, Jens & family
So sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Mary Petersen says
Dear Nicolette and Kevin,
Thank you very much for the expression of sympathy. It helps to know that people care.
Mary and Jens
Luke Bokenfohr says
Some of the happiest memories of my life are of summers when we ‘BC Bokenfohrs’ would visit Alberta to see our many cousins. Always unforgettable were visits to the Schafers farm to see Uncle Alois, Auntie Elizabeth and the Schafers cousins. For us ‘city kids’, the farm was a magical place and she made it all the more special with her presence. I will always remember Auntie Elizabeth as a truly genuine and loving person who filled the room with her love and kindness. I remember her as patient, kind and generous with her time, despite the endless tasks of running that busy household. She will always have a special place in my heart, and I know she will be sorely missed by all of us. The world was a better place for having her in it and she was a wonderful model of what it means to be a profoundly good human being.
Mary Petersen says
Dear Luke,
Thank you so much for your message. Mom always loved having “her” family come and see us and she and Dad liked to go visit too. She loved people and she knew how to make every person in the room feel special. She absolutely loved having the “BC Bokenfohr’s” come and visit and/or stay. We hope you don’t stop coming for visits!
The Schafers family
Mark Bokenfohr says
Auntie Elizabeth was a fountain of love and kindness. She was indeed like a grandmother to many of us cousins, truly unforgettable, giving, warm and generous. I still have some of the rugs we made together in the barn. She could always make you feel special, was always wide open with her home and her heart. …and oh, her baking! What about that garden? Homemade raspberry jam… To a kid from the suburbs, coming to the farm every summer was the highlight of summer vacation; for me, Auntie Elizabeth was synonymous with that feeling of summer joy. I smile imagining her with Uncle Alois again. Love and hugs to all our extended family sharing this loss and remembrance of a great lady.
Mary Petersen says
Dear Mark,
Thank you for that lovely testimonial to Mom. She was a very special person and loved to make people feel welcome. She always gave of herself and her time so generously. Thank you for your memories to remind us of some of ours! You are welcome anytime!
The Schafers family
Judy Bokenfohr says
My deepest sympathy to you all on the loss of your beautiful mom. I remember her warm smile and kindness whenever we’d visit the farm. Always so good natured
Mary Petersen says
Dear Judy,
Thank you so much for your expression of sympathy. It helps us to know how much she was appreciated. She knew how to turn that smile and kindness on people and make them absolutely welcome.
The Schafers family
Irene Chauvet-Henry says
So sorry to hear about your mom. I will never forget the great visits we had when I came north. She was so multi talented from her rug weaving, to her furniture refinishing and who could forget her beautiful flowers. Sending prayers to your family