Obituary of Elsa B Schaefer

Elsa B. Schaefer died peacefully on February 14, 2024.  Predeceased by parents, Chester C. Brumbaugh and Anne D. Brumbaugh, sister, Mary, husband, Philip D. Schaefer, grandchild, Arlynn.  Survived by children, Philip C (Alice), Sarah Eberst (JV), Andrew (Rebecca), Stephen; 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  Elsa was born in New Rochelle NY, and grew up in Mentor Ohio.  She graduated from Denison University and earned a masters degree in chemistry from Cornell University.  After raising four children, she worked for the Monroe County Environmental Health lab until her retirement.  Elsa was dedicated to causes of social justice, human rights, and protecting and preserving the environment, and acted on her beliefs through her participation in Metro Justice of Rochester, the Penfield Democratic Committee, the Genesee Valley Land Trust and Thousand Acre Swamp program.  In 2007 she was granted the Faith in Action award by the Greater Rochester Community of Churches, as a result of her work in prison ministry.  Throughout her life, she expressed her faith not just through her words, but through her actions, such as bringing children to visit their mothers and other acts of service for incarcerated women.  She was small, but mighty, and through her strength, love, compassion, and intelligence she made positive contributions to the lives of many.

There will  be two memorial services:   Thursday February 22, 11 am at Episcopal Church of St. Luke & St. Simon Cyrene, 17 Fitzhugh St, Rochester NY; and Friday February 23, 11 am at The Chapel of the Good Shepherd, located inside the Episcopal Church Home,  505 Mt Hope Avenue Rochester NY.

Donations in Elsa's memory may be made to Episcopal Church of St. Luke & St. Simon Cyrene, 17 Fitzhugh St., Rochester NY 14614 or to Metro Justice, 1115 East Main St., Box 16, Rochester, NY 14609.

Special thanks to the staff at Highland Hospital, the Episcopal Church Home, Rochester Regional Health Hospice Care, River Edge Manor and Home Instead Professional Assistance for Seniors for their care and kindness.