Marilyn Schaefer

Marilyn Schaefer quietly departed this life on Saturday, September 3.  For those who are unaware of who Marilyn was, you only have to ask the myriad of dog owners (she knew many of them) and shop keepers as well as others around town who had the pleasure of her visits, accompanied by her faithful companion, Maggie.  The two had the ability to brighten your day with Marilyn’s compassion and wit and Maggie’s enduring mannerisms.   If you were lucky, Maggie might even have had a conversation with you.

Marilyn Mazurek was born in Chicago on November 3, 1951.  She married the love of her life, John Schaefer, also from Chicago.  In the late 1980s they picked up their roots and headed north to Two Harbors, MN.   During their years together, they developed many lifelong friendships.  After John’s passing in 2014, Marilyn found solace in the people of this community, her parish family, and Maggie.

Marilyn was an intelligent and strong woman who advocated for the handicapped.  Among other things, she was active at Holy Spirit Church where she was part of the Befrienders group, she worked on beautifying the parish grounds (not allowing her physical limitations to hinder her efforts), ensured that the flowers in church were just right, and helped to establish a widows’ group.  She also visited the homebound, hospitalized, and those in nursing homes who were delighted to have a visit from Maggie as well.

It has been said that Marilyn’s heart was broken after Maggie crossed the “rainbow bridge” on August 23.   Although Marilyn was deeply saddened, physically, Marilyn’s health finally took its own toll on her.

Those who knew and loved Marilyn will deeply miss her.

She is survived by her stepsons, John (Cheryl) and Christopher Schaefer; grandsons, Brendan and Jonathan Schaefer; granddaughter, Lily Schaefer; sister-in-law, Sue Krisch; niece and nephews, Sandra (Ryan) Carpenter, Michael (Karen) Krisch, and Timothy Krisch; and friends too numerous to mention.

In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity would be greatly appreciated.

Visitation will be from 11AM until the Noon Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Two Harbors. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. To share your memories or condolences online please visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.