Lillian M. Schaefer

Lillian Marion (Mulvihill) Schaefer, 87, of Ayer MA passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Life Care of Leominster where she had been a resident for the last 3 years. She was surrounded by loved ones and the staff that had grown to love her over the years. She was a devoted and loving wife to the late Donald F. Schaefer, Sr, of 61 years until his passing on December 3, 2015. As a military wife she traveled the world with Don and their children. She attended Long Fellow & Yonkers High and later Sylvania Tech with a degree in Engineering. She worked as a quality engineer for well over 50 years and retired from Hybricon Corporation. Holding fast to her faith you would find her volunteering as a CCD teacher and local charitable organizations wherever Don was stationed. She was a lifetime Girl Scout member and served as PTA chair during her children’s educational years. When you didn’t find her volunteering, she would be off bowling, dancing, and playing bingo and in the quiet of the night reading, crocheting, and closing her night saying her rosary. Lillian is survived by her children: Donald F. Schaefer, Jr, and William J. Schaefer both reside in Ayer, MA, Mary Catherine (Schaefer-Herrmann) Erban and son-in-law Craig K. Erban (Leominster). Grandchildren: Shannon Lee Schaefer (Georgia), Benjamin A. Herrmann and wife Shannon Marie (Merrimack NH), Justine D. Herrmann and partner Jonah LaVoie (Nashua, NH), and Gerald F. Herrmann and wife Amy. Great Grandchildren: Norah Mae Herrmann, Vivian Herrmann, Eliza Herrmann, and Chase Baxter LaVoie. Eldest child of the late John Thomas Mulvihill and Lillian Elizabeth (Hess). Her siblings John Mulvihill (Deceased), Maurice (Bob) Henry Mulvihill and his wife Barbara (Both deceased), William Mulvihill and Diane (NY), Gerald (Jerry) Patrick Mulvihill (deceased) and sister-in-law Veronica (FL), Joseph Mulvihill (CT) and sister-in-law Katherine (deceased), Catherine Mary (Mulvihill) Broers and late brother-in-law Richard (MN), Michael Mulvihill (NV), James Mulvihill (MN), Kim (Mulvihill) Fox (MN), and Marie Mulvihill (NY). Irene Schaefer (FL) and late brother-in-law Mike. 21 nieces and nephews and 27 great nieces and nephews. Final message from Lillian: When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand. The angel said my place was ready, in Heaven far above, and that I’d have to leave behind all those I have dearly loved. But when I walked through Heaven’s Gates, I felt so much at home, for God looked down and smiled at me and told me “Welcome Home.” So, when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart. A calling hour will be held in the Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Rd., Ayer on Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. A funeral service will begin at 11:00am. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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Lillian M. Schaefer

February 24, 1936 - June 29, 2023