BERLIN, NY – Evelyn B. Gardner Schaefer, 86, died peacefully Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, VT with her family at her side.
Born in Berlin on February 19, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Martin and Laura White Gardner. A lifelong resident of Berlin, Evelyn was a homemaker raising her family for many years before returning to volunteer and work as a cook and aide at the Berlin Senior Center for over 25 years.
She was a member of the Berlin & Bennington American Legion Auxiliary, Loyal Order of Moose in Bennington, Bennington Club and the Berlin Seniors.
Evelyn was an accomplished artist. She also created and designed floats for the 4th of July parade for many years in Berlin. She enjoyed ceramics, rug hooking and loved to dance with her husband. She was also a devoted caregiver to her husband and her parents.
She was the beloved wife of the late Raymond F. Schaefer, Sr. who died in 1999; loving mother of Kathleen M. (Stephen) Bowman of Petersburgh, Nancy A. (Raymond) Bowman of Berlin, Raymond F. (Cindy) Schaefer, Jr. of Ocala, FL and Donald L. (Colette) Schaefer, Sr. of Mechanicville; sister of the late Ivan and Marvin Gardner. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Monday at 1 pm at the First Baptist Church of Berlin, 15 North Main Street, Berlin with Pastor Peter Seide officiating. Interment will follow in the Berlin Community Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the church prior to the service on Monday from 11:30 am-1 pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) for Palliative Care, PO Box 41, Bennington, VT 05201.
Arrangements are by the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home in Petersburgh. Condolence book at ParkerBrosMemorial.com.