Lillian Ann (Palmer) Schaefer, 79, of Henrico, Virginia, was received into the loving arms of Jesus on the afternoon of Sunday, December 20, 2020, passing away from COVID-19 related complications. Her family and friends called her “Ann”. Ann was the daughter of the late Riley Harper Palmer and Henrie Oscar (Carter) Palmer. Ann was the youngest of 5 children; she spent her childhood growing up in Zachary, Louisiana.

After graduating from St. Anthony’s High School in 1955, she attended Louisiana State University where she studied education and music. After starting a family in 1963, like many women of her time, she raised her son while working to help support her family. While living in the Kent, Ohio area, she was a part of the clerical staff for Kent State University. On May 4,1970, the Kent State shootings occurred and Ann was actually working on campus that day; luckily, she was spared. Ann with her family, eventually landed in Henrico, Virginia. She was a long-time employee of Plywood and Plastics and later, Pleasant’s Hardware. Ann belonged to the Episcopalian Church of the Epiphany and for many years, played a very active role within the church. She really enjoyed participating in her bible study classes. Ann was very active in her neighborhood; she was the president of her neighborhood association. She loved being a part of Happy Hands, creating many different crafts alongside of her neighborhood friends. She loved to go antiquing with her friend, Mary Ellyson. One of their favorite stores that they frequented was her friend John Wells’ Odd Balls Collectibles & Claire’s Antiques. She really enjoyed bringing home little treasures.

Ann is survived by her son, Karl (Lisa) Schaefer of De Pere, Wisconsin. Grandchildren Kristopher (Brooke Suttle) Schaefer, Kurt (Ally Macy) Schaefer and Klayton Schaefer. One great grandson, Greyson Schaefer. Dear sister-in-law, Donna Fetterman and many nieces and nephews.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents Riley Harper and Henrie; her siblings, Rilma Dean “Deannie”, Mathew “Buddy”, Riley Harper Jr. “R.H.” and Mary Elizabeth; her former spouse, Gerald C Schaefer (father to Karl) and Ann’s dear friend, Walter Reid.

Karl and family would like to express their appreciation for the compassionate care that Ann received at Spring Arbor Cottages in Henrico. Karl and Lisa would also like to express their complete gratitude to Meg Shea, NP. Meg, there are just not enough words, you were a true champion for Ann and you were so compassionate, both with Ann and with us, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. And last but not least, Ann’s dear friend, Mary Ellyson, beyond words, we are so grateful to you for all that you did for Ann over the past year. Thank you so much; she loved you dearly. 

Due to COVID-19, a memorial service will not be held at this time, but may be held in the future. We encourage you to leave your condolences in the online guestbook.

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.

I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.

I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,

Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun:

Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

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