Jane Clare (Janie) Schaefer (née Schehl), a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, friend, and teacher, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 75 years old.

Born on August 15, 1949, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Janie was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Jane Schehl (née Polewski). One of four spirited daughters, she is survived by her beloved twin sister Susan (Michael) Schiller and younger sisters Patti (Barney) Barnes and Barb Schehl. She also leaves behind cherished in-laws Jim and Patty Schaefer and Carol Walker, who were like siblings to her.

On October 25, 1975, Janie married the love of her life, Thomas J. Schaefer. For nearly 50 years, they shared a deep, joyful partnership rooted in laughter, faith, and unwavering love. Janie was the ultimate "boy mom," thriving in a household full of energy, laughter, and the happy chaos of four boys and two dogs. Together, she and Tom raised their sons—Scott, Dan (Bruce Sprague), Andy (Kristina Brayman), and Nicholas (Marissa)—and were gifted with five precious grandchildren: Clare, Caden, Quinn, Astrid, and Sofia. Known affectionately as "GJ" to her grandkids, Janie was the heart and soul of her family, creating lifelong memories with them during long holidays and summer breaks at "Camp GJ"—a homemade mix of outings to the park and zoo, arts and crafts, endless games, and her signature warmth. These moments were more than just fun; they were building blocks of character, compassion, and connection— lessons her grandchildren will carry forward for the rest of their lives.

Janie never missed a birthday, a holiday, or a milestone. Her handwritten cards, filled with love and encouragement, were treasured by all who received them. She found deep purpose in making others feel remembered and cherished. Her life was defined by kindness and thoughtfulness—qualities she shared generously and consistently with everyone around her.

Janie graduated from Mother of Mercy High School and Edgecliff College, and began her teaching career at John S. Connor School, where she taught first through third grade in a single classroom and later grades four and five in one classroom. Though she later stepped away from formal teaching to focus on raising her children, she remained a teacher in every sense of the word.

She co-directed the Religious Education Program at Good Shepherd Catholic Church for 12 years, read regularly to children at Parham Public School, and launched the Parents Aid to Learning Program at the Princeton School District, connecting volunteer tutors with students in need of one-on-one support. She also served as a guest speaker at St. Xavier High School and co-facilitated the Parents of Gays and Lesbians Support Group, founded in 1999 at Good Shepherd—a ministry rooted in compassion, inclusion, and love.

A woman grounded in faith and committed to service, Janie truly embodied the Ignatian call to be a "woman for others". Her deep care for individuals and her tireless advocacy for justice were recognized with two meaningful honors: the Magis Award from St. Xavier High School and the

Maria C. Blake Award from Women Helping Women. Whether through quiet gestures or bold action, Janie met the needs of others with grace, dignity, and humility.

Janie also knew how to celebrate life. She was a masterful host who loved to entertain, plan parties and gather people around a beautifully set table. Her annual Fourth of July party was a decades-long tradition full of joy, family, and friendship. Her boys lovingly teased her in the lead-up to these events—she'd fret over every last detail—but she always gave it right back to them, and the result was always something special. Janie created the most magical celebration of the year on her favorite holiday, Christmas. Her family always looked forward to her two magnificent trees dripping in ornaments, her vast collection of Santa Claus', dozens upon dozens of homemade cookies, nativity scenes and the most beautifully wrapped presents you have ever seen. Every celebration—big or small—was made memorable by her thoughtful menus, fresh flowers, perfectly paired place settings, and of course, just the right dessert. She was also a gifted chef who loved cooking wholesome meals for her family. A Janie Schaefer meal was always wrapped in love, togetherness, joy and never without an extra stick of butter. Anyone who knew her will remember no meal would be complete without a sweet treat to follow—a philosophy she joyfully passed down to her children and grandchildren, one delicious bite at a time.

She and Tom were adventurous travelers together, exploring 44 states and 26 countries. Their journeys took them across the U.S., through Europe, and into parts of Asia, where they embraced new landscapes, cultures, and ways of life. These trips often included sightseeing, hiking, skiing, and simply taking in the world around them. Evenings ended with a glass of "buttery" chardonnay as they recapped the day's adventures. Tom captured their journeys through his photography, Janie collected beautiful souvenirs and treasured memories—always bringing something special home to remind her of their time together.

As generous philanthropists, Janie and Tom supported causes close to their hearts, including St. Xavier High School, Xavier University, Bethany House, Lighthouse Youth Services, and many organizations that uplift women and children. Janie was a gifted fundraiser and connector—always introducing friends, new and old, to the organizations and missions she believed in.

To know Janie was to be seen, heard, and loved. She had a remarkable ability to make guests feel welcome and part of the family. Her empathy, presence, and joyful hospitality touched countless lives.

Her final lesson—one of resilience, strength, and fierce love—was taught with courage and grace, as she lived the last 2½ years of her life to the fullest, even in the face of illness. She faced each day with hope, laughter, and a grateful heart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 28 at 12:00 PM at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8815 East Kemper Road, Cincinnati. Visitation will precede the Mass from 10:45 to 11:45 AM. In honor of Janie's vibrant spirit, guests are encouraged to wear something green—her favorite color and a symbol of life, renewal, and joy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Janie's honor to Xavier Jesuit Academy , in support of her enduring belief in the transformative power of education and accompaniment. Xavier Jesuit Academy, is a scholarship-funded, faith-based school for young men in grades 3-8, emphasizing an environment of brotherhood and high academic standards.

We give thanks for Janie's beautiful life—one rooted in faith, family, service, and love. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched.