Louise Marie Shaeffer
April 21, 1921 – May 1, 2016
Louise Marie Shaeffer, loving and doting mother, faithful and devoted wife, trusted friend and confidante, tireless, selfless in her generosity, daughter of Glenn and Flora Sayre, was born April 21st, 1921, in the town of Boone, Iowa. She went to be with our Heavenly Father on May the 1st, 2016, shortly after celebrating her 95th birthday.
Louise is survived by her youngest daughter, Alice J. Shaeffer-Katona and her husband Thomas Katona, and three grandsons: Mark F. Shaeffer and family of Chambersburg, PA, Jason W. Helland and family of Larkspur, CO, and Matthew F. Shaeffer and family of South Lyons, MI. She also was a proud grandmother to 9 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and their families, and many friends too numerous to count.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, Col. (USAF Ret.) William F. Shaeffer; their son, Douglas F. Shaeffer; and their eldest daughter, Nancy Jo Helland. All her siblings-one brother and three sisters-have also passed on prior to Louise.
November 10th, 1939 Louise married her high school sweetheart, Bill, and after the outbreak of WWII, he enlisted in what was then the Army-Air Corps and completed his pilot’s training. Louise joined Bill in Europe in 1946. As a result of his combat assignments, and numerous command and staff positions, they moved many times throughout Europe and the United States. Louise held many positions in Officer’s Wives Clubs and other Air Force Wives Groups.
It was while living in Europe that Louise took a great interest in the Old Masters and had the opportunity to visit many museums and galleries. She also attended art history and appreciation courses and lectures. She took up oil painting and had the great fortune to be able to attend lessons from many professional and famous artists. Louise always remained active in the Arts and eventually became quite a prolific artist receiving hundreds of awards including in juried shows not only regionally, but also statewide, nationally and internationally. She was very well recognized in the art community but unfortunately had to give up her painting due to failing eyesight. She remained a member in several regional art guilds, and was a member of the Colorado Springs Art Guild for more than 20 years.
Louise and her husband were long-time members of St. Michael the Archangel Episcopal Church and Louise became very involved in several groups at the church. A great love in Louise’s life was the Ministry of Thrift House (an Episcopal store) at 1027 S. Tejon, Colorado Springs. Working as a volunteer, Manager, twice President of the Thrift House Board, she saw Thrift House grow from a small country store to a large store with profits benefiting outreach in the Pikes Peak Area. The purchase of the two buildings was a leap of faith and consent of four Episcopal priests to assume such a large debt. Rev. Robert Hewitt and Louise signed the $275,000 bank loan, paid off in fourteen years.
Always a devoted worker in chapel and church activities. She spent many years in Scouts, Salvation Army and OES. She taught Sunday school, held office of President as well as other offices of the Episcopal Church Women’s. She served as an usher, greeter, office help, vestry person, and Diavan Delegate. She also completed the St. Stephen’s curriculum, as well as many other classes, educational courses and certification programs.
Known to her family as “Meme”, Louise was greatly admired and trusted by family and friends. She was blessed with a very giving and generous nature, uncomplaining, true friend, and generous to serve with integrity in whatever she was called to do. She worked tirelessly to give time to all in need.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. Michael The Archangel Episcopal Church, 7400 Tudor Rd., Colorado Springs 80919, on Thursday, May 12th, 2016, at 11:00 am followed by a short reception.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alice J. Shaeffer and will be dispersed to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and her P.E.O. Chapter.